Jack Flaherty Heads to 15‑Day IL Over Flexor Inflammation

Injury Puts Flaherty on Shelf

The Detroit Tigers placed right‑hander Jack Flaherty on the 15‑day injured list Tuesday, citing right flexor inflammation. He had been on the mound just four days earlier, taking the win in Monday night’s 8‑6 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. In that game Flaherty surrendered three runs on four hits across four innings.

The 30‑year‑old Flaherty now carries a 3‑8 record with a 4.59 ERA over 19 starts this campaign. He inked a lucrative two‑year, $35 million contract with Detroit back in February 2025, only to see his season derailed by the latest forearm issue.

Tigers Turn to Madden

To fill the void, Detroit recalled right‑hander Ty Madden from Triple‑A Toledo, adding a fresh arm to a beleaguered bullpen. The 26‑year‑old Madden arrives after seven relief appearances for the Tigers, posting a 3.15 ERA with no decision. In Toledo he compiled a 2‑0 mark, a 4.71 ERA in 11 starts and one relief outing.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch praised the newcomer, noting “There’s a little different edge and sort of a different attention to detail, I think, when he gets to the big leagues and he’s performed really well here.” He added that Madden’s slider and split‑finger pitch give him “a tough, tough combo” and make him someone “I do trust a lot to pitch in a variety of roles.”

Bullpen Strain in Recent Games

Detroit’s relief corps has been taxed lately. In Sunday’s 3‑2 loss at the Los Angeles Angels, the Tigers leaned on four relievers to cover 4 ⅔ innings. The following night against the Cubs, the team leaned even heavier, using five relievers across six innings.

These back‑to‑back games highlight a bullpen that’s been asked to shoulder extra workload while the rotation deals with injuries. The aggressive usage may become a strategic concern as the season presses on.

Hinch’s Thoughts On Verlander’s Return

As the Tigers prepared for their interleague series, veteran right‑hander Justin Verlander was the first Detroit player to arrive at Wrigley Field on Tuesday. The 43‑year‑old, who plans to retire following this season, is still rebounding from hip and hamstring setbacks.