Casey Mize's return will bolster Tigers in matchup with Blue Jays

Casey Mize will make a swift return from the injured list when the Detroit Tigers host the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday afternoon.

The Tigers right-hander left his most recent start on April 28 in Atlanta due to a right adductor strain. Mize was able to go through a rehab program at the team's spring training facility in Lakeland, Fla., with no issues.

His return will bolster a starting staff that's missing ace Tarik Skubal and Justin Verlander due to injuries.

"He's been able to continue to throw, which is a great sign," manager A.J. Hinch said. "Casey responded well to multiple bullpen (sessions) and live BP (batting practice) that he did down in Lakeland."

Mize (2-2, 2.90 ERA) arguably has been the team's best starting pitcher this season. He gave up one or no runs in four of his first five starts before his abbreviated stint in Atlanta, when he was removed after 2 1/3 innings. He's only faced the Blue Jays once, allowing three runs in 4 1/3 innings in 2024.

The Tigers won the series opener in dramatic fashion on Friday. Spencer Torkelson had a two-out single in the ninth inning to bring home Matt Vierling, giving Detroit a 3-2 victory.

It was just the Tigers' second victory in their last 10 games. They still are five games under .500.

"You roll back a year, we were (riding) high at this time last year and that didn't win us the division," Hinch said. "It takes a lot of discipline to keep your perspective and just play the game in front of you. The methodical nature of baseball challenges you every day to keep a steady approach and see where you end up at the end of homestands and road trips."

Left-hander Mason Fluharty (2-0, 5.40) is getting the nod to open for the Blue Jays in a bullpen game. He started once this season as the opener, allowing one run in one inning on April 4 against the Chicago White Sox. Fluharty hasn't given up a run in his last six appearances.

For his career, Fluharty is 0-1 with a 3.38 ERA in three games against the Tigers.

Spencer Miles is expected to come in after Fluharty and pitch multiple innings. Miles made his first career start on Sunday after 11 relief appearances. The rookie right-hander limited the Los Angeles Angels to two hits in three innings. He got a special charge out of striking out Angels star outfielder Mike Trout.

"It's still surreal getting to strike out a legend like him," Miles said, "but if I can get strike one and strike two, I think my stuff will prevail when I hit my quadrants and hit my spots."

Miles left a favorable impression on his manager after the outing.

"I thought he was obviously really good," John Schneider said. "His stuff held up. The plan was to see how far he could take us with that lineup. He continues to check boxes and has good composure. He has good demeanor out there. I really like what I saw."

Vladimir Guerrero Jr's struggles at the plate continued. He went 0-for-4 and has gone hitless in five consecutive games. He has homered just twice this season.

"Trying to find the answer, trying to get there," Guerrero said. "Not just the power, but to hit the ball hard. If I hit the ball hard, if I drive the ball, I'll be fine and the homers will come."

--Field Level Media