Justin Verlander to Make Another Rehab Start in Triple-A Toledo Justin Verlander will make another rehab start for Triple-A Toledo on Wednesday, positioning him to potentially return to the Tigers' rotation the following week at a familiar venue: Houston. The right-hander, who previously pitched for the Mud Hens, will take the mound again to gradually increase his workload as he continues recovery from a left hip injury that kept him sidelined since the end of March. The decision means Verlander will not participate in the Tigers’ upcoming homestand against the Twins, with the team opting to maintain its current four-man rotation for the series. Troy Melton, Framber Valdez, and Keider Montero will be the primary starters, while Verlander will instead face the St. Paul Saints, the Triple-A affiliate of the Twins, in a six-game series beginning Tuesday night at Fifth Third Field. The Tigers’ schedule will shift to a three-game weekend series in Cleveland starting June 15, a critical opportunity to bolster their chances of climbing back into the division race. Tarik Skubal, who recently threw five scoreless innings in a rehab start at High-A West Michigan, is expected to return for that series. Casey Mize, meanwhile, is set to make a rehab start on Tuesday for Single-A Lakeland at Clearwater, potentially joining Skubal in the rotation. Verlander’s return timeline remains tied to his progress in Triple-A, with the Tigers planning to evaluate his readiness for a big-league assignment. Verlander’s potential return to Comerica Park could coincide with a three-game series against the Astros at Daikin Park, starting June 15. The Astros may bring Hunter Brown, Verlander’s former teammate and Detroit native, back from the injured list during that series, adding a layer of intrigue to the matchup.#framber_valdez #justin_verlander #triple_a_toledo #troy_melton #keider_montero
Kenley Jansen blows save on walk-off HR in Game 1; Tigers lose 8th straight The Detroit Tigers extended their losing streak to eight games after a dramatic collapse in the ninth inning of Game 1 against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, May 24, at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Tigers fell to a 5-3 decision as right-handed reliever Kenley Jansen failed to protect a 2-1 lead, surrendering a walk-off three-run home run to Colton Cowser. The loss marked the team’s 16th defeat in 18 games, deepening their struggles in a challenging season. The game began with the Tigers holding a 2-1 advantage entering the final three innings, thanks to a strong performance from left-hander Framber Valdez. The 32-year-old, signed to a three-year, $115 million free-agent contract, pitched six innings, allowing one run on two hits and two walks while striking out five. Valdez, known for his ground-ball tendencies, navigated several flyouts to the warning track but managed to keep the Orioles in check. His effort was highlighted by a solo home run from Gunnar Henderson, who hit a hanging curveball for a sixth-inning solo shot. Despite the Orioles’ 92 mph exit velocity on 15 balls in play, Valdez’s control and command kept the Tigers in the game. The Tigers’ offensive push began in the fourth inning, when they capitalized on a defensive error by Baltimore first baseman Pete Alonso. After Brandon Young retired the first eight batters, Zack Short led off the third with a double, setting the stage for a rally. Kevin McGonigle reached on a leadoff single, and Dillon Dingler’s flare toward Alonso created a pivotal moment. Alonso, attempting to force out McGonigle, let the ball drop near first base, allowing runners to reach second and third.#detroit_tigers #baltimore_orioles #framber_valdez #kenley_jansen #colton_cowser
Mike Burrows: Rising Star in Houston's Rotation The 2025 season marks a pivotal moment for Mike Burrows, a pitcher whose journey from a standout high school prospect to a potential key contributor for the Houston Astros has been marked by both challenges and flashes of brilliance. Drafted in the 11th round by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018 for a $500,000 signing bonus, Burrows has navigated a winding path through the minor leagues, overcoming setbacks and refining his skills to position himself as a promising addition to Houston’s rotation. Burrows’ early career was defined by inconsistency. In his first full season with the Pirates in 2019, he posted a 4.33 ERA and 1.466 WHIP, struggling with control and allowing over a hit per inning. However, a breakout 2021 season—where he slashed his ERA to 2.76 and improved his strikeout rate to 12.1 K/9—hinted at his potential. The following year, a mix of success and struggle saw him post a 4.01 ERA across the minors, though his 10.6 K/9 rate and 3.0 BB/9 rate showcased his ability to dominate hitters when on track. A major setback came in 2023, when Burrows underwent Tommy John surgery after just two starts. His return in 2024 was uneven, with a 5.26 ERA and 1.539 WHIP across three levels of the minors, suggesting he was still finding his rhythm. Yet, his 2025 season with the Pirates turned things around. Starting the year in the minors, Burrows posted a 2.51 ERA and 1.052 WHIP, striking out 11.4 K/9 while walking just 3.1 BB/9. His performance earned him a call-up to the majors in late May, where he continued to impress with a 3.94 ERA and 1.240 WHIP over 23 games (19 starts). The Pirates’ decision to trade Burrows to Houston in a three-team deal with the Rays in the offseason underscores his value.#pittsburgh_pirates #tommy_john_surgery #houston_astros #mike_burrows #framber_valdez
