Jackson Jobe Rehab Starts, Tigers Pitching Updates

Jackson Jobe’s Rehab Assignment

Right‑hander Jackson Jobe, the 2021 MLB draft’s No. 3 pick, will begin a rehabilitation stint with Single‑A Lakeland on Tuesday, July 7, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch announced ahead of the series against the Athletics. He has been sidelined since June 2025 after undergoing Tommy John surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow, and Hinch said the plan is to keep him to “a couple of innings” during the early rehab work. This step marks the opening phase of a long recovery timeline aimed at returning him to major‑league action.

During his recovery Jobe has thrown a few live bullpen sessions and was reportedly touching 100 mph with his four‑seam fastball, according to Hinch. The manager described the 23‑year‑old as “ready to go and, obviously, he’s been throwing the ball well.” In his rookie campaign of 2025 Jobe posted a 4.22 ERA over 49 innings in ten starts, a stat that underscores the value of his eventual return.

The anticipated recovery schedule stretches over a year, a timeline Hinch says remains on track. A comment from later in June noted that “he’s got a long road ahead still, but the plan all along … was to accomplish a lot this year,” underscoring the gradual path back for the Tigers’ top pitching prospect. This disciplined approach should position the club to integrate Jobe once his workload safely increases.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Jackson Jobe watches live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. This image highlights his conditioning work ahead of the rehab assignment, offering fans a glimpse of his preparation. The Tigers view this phase as a building block for a deeper rotation and expect to see him contribute once his workload ramps up later in the season.

Will Vest Stays in Dallas for Evaluation

Right‑handed reliever Will Vest did not return with the Tigers to Detroit after a win over the Rangers, choosing instead to remain in Dallas for an extended evaluation with Dr. Keith Meister, the Rangers’ team physician. The Tigers placed Vest on the 15‑day injury list with right elbow inflammation on July 1 and promoted Beau Brieske to fill the vacant bullpen spot. Hinch explained the decision was “convenient” for Vest and not related to Tommy John concerns, noting they trust the doctor’s expertise.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Will Vest (19) watches a ball hit by Houston Astros catcher Christian Vazquez (not pictured) go past for a single in the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Comerica Park in Detroit on Saturday, June 27, 2026. The photo underscores the importance of his ongoing medical evaluation and the trust the Tigers place in Dr. Meister’s assessment. This process will guide the club’s decisions on his roster status as the season progresses.

Other bullpen updates include Brant Hurter throwing a bullpen session and Burch Smith practicing off‑the‑mound work, while shortstop Javier Baez continues to ramp up baseball activity after his recent workout. Second baseman Gleyber Torres, who is sidelined by an oblique injury, has progressed to hitting off a tee, and veteran righty Wenceel Perez has reported to Comerica Park. Perez, who is on the 60‑day IL after fracturing his orbital bone, is being “very cautious” as he begins light running and additional baseball drills, according to Hinch.

The Tigers are monitoring these injuries closely as they look for reinforcements to bolster the rotation and bullpen down the stretch. With Jackson Jobe’s rehab beginning and other arms working through health protocols, the club hopes to see improved depth before the August trade deadline. The combined updates suggest the roster will rely on emerging prospects and depth pieces as the season continues.