The Detroit Tigers received encouraging news on Jack Flaherty's recovery Tuesday as the veteran right-hander continues progressing toward a return during the club's postseason push.
Detroit remains in the thick of the American League Wild Card race, making any positive development for its injury-hit rotation significant as it opens a key series against the Cleveland Guardians.
Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reported that Flaherty is "increasing intensity, volume and distance" in his throwing program. The update marks another step forward after the right-hander landed on the injured list with right forearm inflammation earlier this month. Manager A.J. Hinch previously indicated Flaherty would likely miss more than the minimum 15 days, but Tuesday's progress suggests he is moving closer to returning.
Before the injury, Flaherty made 19 starts for Detroit this season, posting a 3-8 record with a 4.59 ERA and 1.41 WHIP while striking out 102 batters across 86.1 innings. Although the results were uneven, he remained one of the Tigers' primary innings eaters and a key part of the rotation.
The injury update also included less encouraging news elsewhere on the roster. Outfielder Wenceel Pérez has been pulled off his minor league rehab assignment because his vision has not fully returned to normal, while reliever Will Vest underwent scheduled right hip surgery Tuesday.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Detroit entered Tuesday with a 58-60 record, sitting second in the American League Central and one game behind the final Wild Card spot. The Guardians, at 58-61, trail the Tigers by just a half-game, adding extra importance to this week's series.
A healthy Flaherty would provide another experienced arm alongside Detroit's current rotation as the club attempts to strengthen its playoff chances during the final weeks of the regular season.
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