Tigers get big injury update on controversial free agent signing

The Detroit Tigers already have a lengthy list of injuries on their roster before the 2025 season even begins, but they did get some positive news on that front in this week's medical update.

Veteran right-hander Alex Cobb, who has missed all of spring training to this point with right hip inflammation, threw a bullpen session on Saturday and is scheduled to throw another on Wednesday. This marks a huge step in his recovery, as Saturday was the first time he had thrown off of a mound since receiving his diagnosis at the start of spring training.

Cobb still won't be ready for Opening Day, and there is no timetable yet for his return. However, these latest updates indicate that there haven't been any setbacks in his timeline Cobb, who signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the Tigers in free agency this offseason, received an epidural injection and a platelet-rich plasma injection to aid in his recovery earlier in spring training, according to previous medical updates from the team.

Tigers get big injury update on controversial free agent signing Alex Cobb

The Tigers' decision to sign Cobb this offseason wasn't well received among fans, given that he is 37 years old and was limited to just three appearances last season due to injury. Whenever he is healthy enough to slot into the Tigers' rotation, he will be joining a more crowded field than many had anticipated at the start of spring training.

The size of Cobb's contract essentially ensures that he will have a spot in the rotation upon his return, but who he edges out is far from a sure thing at this point. Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty and Reese Olson are locks for the top three spots, but there are at least four pitchers vying for the final two spots this spring. Jackson Jobe, Kenta Maeda, Casey Mize and Keider Montero all remain viable options at this point, and that's without a healthy Cobb in the mix.

The competition for the final two rotation spots – which will be down to just one spot by the time Cobb returns – will likely come down to the wire in Tigers' camp. If anything, the Cobb signing is looking like even more of a waste for Detroit ... unless they value "solid depth" at $15 million.

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