Another Tigers rotation injury explains late offseason free agency blitz

The Detroit Tigers had an aggressive end to the offseason, not only bringing in Framber Valdez on a creative three-year deal, but also reuniting with Justin Verlander for what could be the final year of his playing career.

By signing Valdez and Verlander, the impression was that the Tigers were gearing up for one final run with Tarik Skubal at the top of their rotation, but it turns out the moves may have been motivated by the health of Troy Melton.

After posting a 2.76 ERA in 16 outings last season, used mostly as an effective bulk-inning option out of the bullpen, the expectation was that Melton might slot in the starting rotation to open the 2026 season.

Valdez and Verlander likely shifted that approach, but the Tigers may have just revealed the real reason behind the signings. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch confirmed that the 26-year-old pitcher is currently unavailable to pitch in spring training games.

Troy Melton injury suddenly makes Tigers' offseason spending spree clear

The silver lining is that this appears to be a case of the Tigers taking a cautious approach. Melton reported general soreness after some early bullpen sessions in camp, and instead of having him pitch through the feelings, the Tigers are shutting the former fourth-round pick down.

Hinch didn't provide a timeline for when Melton may be available to pitch, saying that an update will be provided as part of the team's next medical update.

"We'll get him checked out," Hinch told reporters. "We're doing everything we can. We'll have an update in the next medical report now that he's not on the list to pitch right now. I'll have a better update when I know more."

There's never an ideal time for an injury to a pitcher expected to have a larger role on the major league roster, but it happening in spring training may be the best-case scenario. For now, it seems like the Tigers avoided a catastrophic injury for Melton.

Melton isn't the only pitching injury the Tigers are working through during spring training. Reports at the start of camp suggested that Reese Olson may not be ready for Opening Day, only for that to spiral into a season-ending shoulder surgery.

Had Scott Harris and Co. not had the itch to be aggressive at the end of the offseason, the lack of pitching depth certainly would have been a major storyline to start the 2026 season. Now, it seems like the Tigers' proactive (and expensive) approach has paid off.