Tigers' Casey Mize hopes sunny skies signal success vs. Marlins

Casey Mize made his most recent start in brutal weather conditions, and the Detroit Tigers right-hander hopes better weather will lead to better results on Saturday when he pitches the middle game of a three-game home series against the Miami Marlins on Saturday afternoon.

Mize's season debut was stellar. He held the Arizona Diamondbacks to one run and four hits while striking out nine in six innings, but didn't figure into the decision in the 7-5 defeat. But in his second start, played with wind chills in the 20s in Minneapolis on Monday, Mize allowed five runs and seven hits while walking three in 4 1/3 innings and was charged with the 7-3 loss to the Minnesota Twins.

"It was a tough night to pitch, which made it hard on me," Mize (0-1, 5.23 ERA) said. "But I didn't pitch well. The splitter, I could tell, was going to be tough to command from the get-go, just it being so cold and dry."

Twins second baseman Luke Keaschall hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning.

"Four-seamer at 91," Mize said. "I'm not normally throwing 91-mph fastballs. When you miss your spot with it, that's what happens. Frustrating, for sure."

Sunny skies and temperatures in the low 50s are expected Saturday in Detroit.

Mize, who will be making his first home start this season, lost his lone career outing against the Marlins on May 15, 2024. He gave up two runs in six innings and took the 2-0 loss.

He'll be opposed by right-hander Janson Junk (0-1, 3.09 ERA). He delivered one of the best outings of his career on Monday, limiting the Cincinnati Reds to two runs and seven hits in a career-best 7 1/3 innings. The Marlins didn't provide any offensive support in the 2-0 loss.

Junk, who has pitched for four major league clubs, is trying to establish himself as a starter.

"I just want to go out there and do the best I can," he said. "Whatever's best for the team, that's what I'm willing to do. I'm starting right now. I started last year. I want to get out there with the ball, and do everything I can to put up zeros and give us a chance to win."

Junk won a spring training battle to earn the final spot in the rotation. He solidified his role with his latest performance.

"I've said it a number of times. Janson's a good pitcher," manager Clayton McCullough said. "We still feel very good about the group that we have here right now, and Janson certainly is proven to be a really high-quality major league pitcher."

Junk's one career appearance came Sept. 13, 2025, in a start Junk made one start against Detroit last season, giving up three runs in six innings while getting a no-decision in Miami's 6-4 win.

Detroit won the series opener on Friday, 2-0, to snap a five-game losing streak. Keider Montero and three relievers combined on the shutout.

It wasn't all good for the Tigers on Friday. It was revealed that center fielder Parker Meadows suffered a broken forearm as well as a concussion when he collided with left fielder Riley Greene in Minnesota on Thursday. Wenceel Perez was called up from Triple-A Toledo and started Friday, going 0-for-3.

"Tough blow for him, tough blow for us, and significant injuries," manager A.J. Hinch said of Meadows. "We don't know if anything more is going to be required, surgery or anything like that. I think he needs multiple appointments to figure out what's next for him, and he's got a long road to recovery."

--Field Level Media