The Detroit Tigers will open a three-game set against the Kansas City Royals on Friday after taking a day off following their recent series in Pittsburgh.
The Tigers completed their matchup with the Pirates at PNC Park and now shift focus to Missouri for the weekend series.
Before the clubhouse activity ramped up ahead of the Royals series, the Tigers provided an update on right-hander Jack Flaherty.
Flaherty, a member of the 2024 World Series champion roster, has been sidelined since July 20 because of an injury. MLB.com reported on Aug. 19 about Flaherty.
“Could begin throwing off a mound this weekend in Kansas City.”
Team officials indicated the veteran pitcher remains on track for a possible return as early as next month.
Prior to the injury that landed him on the injured list, Flaherty compiled a 3-8 record with a 4.59 ERA across 19 starts this season. His presence in the rotation would offer a significant lift to a Tigers pitching staff looking to steady itself down the stretch.
Flaherty brings a decade of major league experience, having previously pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles.
Detroit enters the series sitting in fourth place in the American League Central with a 61-66 mark through 127 games. The Tigers have managed a 4-6 record over their past 10 contests and hold a 29-35 mark in 64 road games this year.
After wrapping up the series in Kansas City, Detroit will head home to face the Tampa Bay Rays beginning Monday. Kansas City, meanwhile, occupies the cellar in the AL Central at 55-74 through 129 games.
The Royals have played better of late, going 6-4 in their last 10 outings while posting a 33-30 record in 63 home games at Kauffman Stadium.
Once the Tigers leave town, Kansas City will travel north to face the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday.
Flaherty’s gradual progress toward a mound session represents a positive development for a Tigers club still searching for consistency in the second half. Manager A.J. Hinch and the coaching staff have carefully monitored the right-hander’s rehabilitation, emphasizing a measured approach to avoid any setbacks.
When Flaherty does rejoin the active roster, his experience and competitive edge could help stabilize middle-of-the-rotation outings that have been inconsistent at times.
Opposing hitters have taken advantage of Detroit’s pitching depth issues in recent weeks, making the potential return of a proven starter all the more timely. The upcoming series against Kansas City offers an opportunity for the Tigers to gain ground in the standings against a divisional opponent that has struggled for most of the season.
Both clubs will look to build momentum as August winds down and September approaches, with playoff implications still theoretically alive for teams that can string together winning stretches.
Flaherty’s ability to progress from flat-ground work to throwing off a mound this weekend would mark an important checkpoint in his recovery timeline.
Fans in Detroit have waited patiently for updates on the veteran, hoping his return can inject energy into a season that has featured more lows than highs so far. The Tigers’ front office continues to evaluate options both internally and externally as they navigate the final weeks of the regular season schedule.
Regardless of the exact date Flaherty ultimately returns, his track record suggests he can contribute meaningful innings once fully healthy and stretched out. The series in Kansas City begins Friday night, giving both teams a chance to showcase their current form before the schedule intensifies further.
