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Three reasons for the Detroit Tigers’ pitching regression

By Jacob Boes

Tigers starter Casey Mize allowed three runs without getting out of the first inning in a weekend rehab start in Triple-A.Tigers Chiwht2
Tigers starter Casey Mize allowed three runs without getting out of the first inning in a weekend rehab start in Triple-A.Tigers Chiwht2 /
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May 13, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) pitches during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
May 13, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) pitches during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The Eduardo Rodriguez drama

Nothing injury-wise can surprise Detroit Tigers fans anymore, but non-injury problems that prevent a player from participating remains a foreign territory. That is exactly where the organization finds itself with the newly-signed Eduardo Rodriguez, who made eight starts and supplied 0.5 fWAR before being placed on the restricted list out of nowhere.

The placement later was deemed a ‘marital issue’ and there is no timetable for Rodriguez’s return. He will not receive pay while on the restricted list.

Rodriguez had been rehabilitating in Toledo with the Mud Hens and was preparing a return from a previous rib injury when the issue arose. He made one start and struck out nine over four innings without allowing a run.

The lefty is a respected mid-rotation arm who receives high marks for his efficiency and command. He’s done a nice job this season generating soft contact; he ranks in the 72nd percentile of the league in average exit velocity.

The Detroit Tigers signed the former Boston Red Sox lefty to a five-year, $77 million contract in the offseason.

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