Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty is making strides toward a return to the major leagues as he embarks on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo. This development comes as the Tigers look to bolster their pitching staff amid a challenging season.
Flaherty, a 30-year-old right-hander, is scheduled to begin his rehab stint on Sunday, September 6. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch provided insight into the nature of Flaherty's upcoming appearance, describing it as a "short stint" that may resemble a live batting practice session rather than a full game. "Basically, like another live BP, but we're going to have it in competition. So he may only go one inning. He may get two ups. We're not sure," Hinch explained.
The pitcher has been sidelined due to right flexor tendon inflammation, an ailment that has limited his contributions to the team. In recent weeks, Flaherty has been active in throwing live bullpens while traveling with the Tigers, showcasing a fastball velocity that has reached around 93 mph, according to Hinch.
Despite the encouraging signs, Hinch acknowledged the challenges of fully reintegrating Flaherty into a starting role. "The reality is setting in that it's going to be really hard to build him all the way back up into that five, six, or seven-inning pitcher. But that doesn't mean that we won't be more creative with him if the recovery continues," Hinch remarked during a recent press conference in Minneapolis.
Flaherty's last appearance on the mound for the Tigers was on July 20 against the Chicago Cubs, after which he was placed on the injured list the following day. Over the course of the 2026 season, he has made 19 starts, accumulating a record of 3-8 with a 4.59 ERA across 86⅓ innings pitched.
The Tigers are currently facing a pitching crisis, with only one healthy member of their opening rotation remaining on the active roster—Framber Valdez. Justin Verlander has been sidelined since March 30 due to injuries, while fellow pitchers Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize were traded before the August 3 deadline. This situation underscores the urgency for Flaherty's return as the team navigates the remainder of the season.
As Flaherty gears up for his rehab start, the Tigers are hopeful that his return will provide a much-needed boost to their pitching depth. Fans and team officials alike will be watching closely to see how he performs in Toledo and what that means for his future contributions to the Tigers.
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