Tigers reshuffle pitching staff ahead of White Sox series finale

Matt Sullivan

•
Tigers reshuffle pitching staff ahead of White Sox series finale image

The Detroit Tigers have a 5.5-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians, which is significantly lower than the 15.5-game lead they had earlier in the year. A big reason for their struggles lately has been the pitching staff.

Ahead of their series finale against the Chicago White Sox, the team is re-shuffling the pitching staff. According to Evan Petzold of The Detroit Free Press, the Tigers are activating Sawyer Gipson-Long from the injured list and optioning Codi Heuer to Triple-A.

The return of Gipson-Long is a welcome one, as the current starting rotation has been underwhelming. From the regression of Casey Mize and Jack Flaherty to even Tarik Skubal struggling, the Tigers need to bolster the rotation.

While the 27-year-old starter has a 4.70 ERA this season across five appearances and two starts, a fresh face might help the rotation get back on track. In the White Sox series finale, Troy Melton is getting the start, his first since being moved to the bullpen.

MORE: Tigers top prospects could be impacted by $130 million Roman Anthony Red Sox contract

Even though Gipson-Long isn't getting into the rotation right away, his presence will be helpful, as the rookie starter, who had a 2.70 ERA in 2023 in four starts, could be a nice compliment to the rotation down the stretch.

Meanwhile, Heuer was a trade deadline pickup from the Texas Rangers and has pitched in two games for the Tigers this season. Across his two outings, both of which went 1.2 innings, he allowed three hits and two earned runs while striking out four.

It's not he biggest move for the Tigers, but it's a welcome one, as they are looking to bolster their struggling rotation in any way. Gipson-Long joins the Tigers MLB roster for the first time since late June, as he's poised to help the pitching staff amid their struggles.

MORE MLB NEWS:

Matt Sullivan

Matt Sullivan is a freelance writer for The Sporting News, predominantly covering MLB. Matt is a native of Pennsylvania and has worked with Athlon Sports, Last Word on Sports, and other outlets.