Tigers Activate Right‑Handed Pitcher Ty Madden to Steady Tired Bullpen

Madden Joins Tigers Ahead of Cubs Series

Detroit called up right‑handed pitcher Ty Madden to bolster an exhausted bullpen before facing the Chicago Cubs in the second game of a three‑game set on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. A matching roster move is slated for around 7 p.m. ET, manager A.J. Hinch confirmed. “Ty will be active,” Hinch told reporters. “You guys can report that corresponding move will be in a half hour.”

Hinch offered a preview of why the timing mattered. “We’ve got to sort through our options,” he said during a pregame press availability. “We wanted some guys to come play catch. We’ve had a late day, as you can tell, no BP on the field.” The decision came as the Tigers tried to reset after a turbulent couple of days on the mound.

Why the Bullpen Needed Fresh Arms

Two short starts have drained Detroit’s relief corps. Casey Mize, who has been dealing with a groin issue, logged only 3⅓ innings against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday before being pulled after discomfort and a left‑hand comebacker hit. Jack Flaherty followed with just four innings against the Cubs on Monday, leaving the Tigers with a thin margin for error.

Hinch summed up the strain. “The last two days have been taxing for sure,” he said. “Part of it was when Casey came out of the game, and then yesterday Jack worked hard, and this (Cubs’) offense over there will grind through a lot of different at bats. So getting a good arm with some length. We were targeting at some point this week we were probably going to have to do something to freshen up a bullpen that by inserting Keider (Montero) into the rotation to come a little bit quicker just based on the way last two days have gone.”

Madden’s Credentials and Role

Ty Madden has already shown poise in seven relief appearances for Detroit in 2026, including one start. His numbers read 3.15 ERA in 20 innings, with 23 strikeouts and five walks. Hinch praised his versatility. “He just has a lot of options, especially against a heavy right‑handed lineup, which we know we’re going to get here,” Hinch noted. “When he gets to the big leagues, and he’s performed really well here. So he challenges the strike zone. He’s got a tough combo with his slider and split. Somebody I do trust a lot to pitch in a variety of roles. We shortened him in his last start, anticipating him being a bullpen option for us, either in this series or the Royal series, so we’re happy we’re happy to get him here.”

Madden’s quick climb suggests the Tigers are banking on his ability to fill multiple bullpen spots, providing depth against both right‑handed heavy lineups and as a situational arm. The hope is that his fresh presence will give Detroit the leeway to rest other relievers and keep the bullpen healthy for the stretch run.

Impact on Upcoming Games

With Madden activated, Detroit expects a more stable relief core for the Cubs series and beyond, possibly averting the need to lean heavily on Keider Montero, who has been shifted into the rotation to add depth. The Tigers’ staff now has an extra arm that can be deployed as a long‑reliever, a middle‑inning option, or a late‑inning stopper, depending on how the game unfolds.

The addition also eases the immediate pressure on the bullpen’s commander’s plans. “We shortened him in his last start, anticipating him being a bullpen option for us,” Hinch said, indicating that Madden could see quick action if the series drags or if the Tigers face a tight pennant‑race scenario later in the month. The move sets up Detroit to handle a packed schedule without over‑exerting limited arms.

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Tigers pitcher Casey Mize, who has dealt with a groin injury, was on the field a short time before Hinch talked. Mize was playing catch in the outfield with several coaches watching his every move.

“Ty will be active,” Hinch told reporters. “You guys can report that corresponding move will be in a half hour.”

Madden has pitched in seven games for the Tigers in 2026, including one start. He has a 3.15 ERA over 20 innings with 23 strikeouts and five walks.

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“He just has a lot of options, especially against a heavy right-handed lineup, which we know we’re going to get here,” Hinch said. “When he gets to the big leagues, and he’s performed really well here. So he’s he challenges the strike zone. He’s got tough combo with his slider and split. Somebody I do trust a lot to pitch in a variety of roles. We shortened him in his last start, anticipating him being a bullpen option for us, either in this series or the Royal series, so we’re happy we’re happy to get him here.”

The Tigers bullpen has been drained over the last two games because of two short starts.

Mize pitched only 3 1/3 innings on Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels, but he was taken out after groin discomfort and he was hit on the left hand on a comebacker. Then Jack Flaherty pitched only four innings on Monday against the Cubs.

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“The last two days have been taxing for sure,” Hinch said. “Part of it was when Casey came out of the game, and then yesterday Jack worked hard, and this (Cubs’) offense over there will grind through a lot of different at bats. So getting a good arm with some length. We were targeting at some point this week we were probably going to have to do something to freshen up a bullpen that by inserting Keider (Montero) into the rotation to come a little bit quicker just based on the way last two days have gone.”

Contact Jeff Seidel: [email protected]. Follow him on X @seideljeff.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers call up Ty Madden to help tired bullpen