Detroit Tigers: Casey Mize continues on the road to recovery

Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize continues to work back.

It's been quite some time since the Detroit Tigers faithful have heard much about Casey Mize. After throwing just 10.0 innings during the 2022 season, he had to undergo Tommy John Surgery, leading to a really lengthy time away from the field.

The timetable to recover from Tommy John usually is around 14-16 months, meaning that the Detroit Tigers would not see Mize for quite some time. But the good news is he continues to walk the road to recovery.

The latest updates on the Mize recovery front are positive and should leave at least a glimmer of hope in some fans' eyes. The team's right-hander and former first-overall draft pick has been able to get back on the rubber and toe the slab of a mound with a hitter standing 60 feet, 6 inches away from him.

Mize completed a Live-BP session, toeing the slab and working to get back on track with a real hitter in the box, just another step in his road to recovery. The good news for the Tigers is that things went well in his 20-pitch session, and he is continuing his road to join the team's rotation.

It's a long time coming for Mize. While the Tigers will need more time for Mize, he is getting back on track to where he could head toward a rehab assignment. After all, Mize has not toed the slab since April 14th, 2022.

It's been well over a year, and Mize has to be chomping at the bit to get back on the mound wearing a Tigers uniform. However, the Tigers are not going to screw themselves; they are going to take their time to ensure they feel Mize is ready to go before sending him out there once again.

But, with him being back on the mound for a Live BP session, it certainly is something to keep an eye on. Especially to see how Mize progresses with his recovery and if he can get back on the mound for a rehab stint or exactly what things will entail for Mize over the next month.

The 26-year-old righty is expected to be an integral piece of the rotation moving forward. He was expected to be the team's ace upon his arrival to the big leagues; he just needs to prove that he can stick as a primary arm in this rotation once he is healthy.

The key piece here is Mize doing things right and the Tigers taking their time to ensure that he truly is back to 100% before getting him back up onto the field.