The Detroit Tigers have held onto the best record in MLB as they approach the All-Star break, despite dealing with a series of injuries in recent weeks.
The team’s pitching rotation took a significant blow with young star Jackson Jobe being ruled out for the season due to a right flexor strain, leaving manager AJ Hinch and his staff scrambling for replacements.
However, on Wednesday, the Tigers provided an update on starting pitcher Alex Cobb that suggests he could be making a return soon, bringing some encouraging news for the team’s supporters.
Detroit revealed that Alex Cobb, who was signed from the Cleveland Guardians this offseason on a one-year, \$15 million contract, is set to throw a bullpen session today. This marks a promising step forward in his recovery from left hip inflammation. Cobb has yet to pitch this season.
The 37-year-old, hailing from Boston, threw 16 innings for the Guardians last year, posting a 2.76 ERA with 10 strikeouts and 14 hits allowed. Over the previous two seasons with the San Francisco Giants, he logged over 300 innings, maintaining ERAs under 4.00 each year.
While Cobb isn’t expected to be a game-changer for the Tigers, his experience and skill set could provide valuable depth to a pitching staff that is in need of support right now.
Cobb’s contract includes potential bonuses, with one million dollars available for reaching 140 or 150 innings. Although those numbers seem unlikely—especially with Tarik Skubal leading Detroit with 109 innings pitched in the first half of the season—they do reflect the expectations the Tigers had for Cobb when they brought him in, and what they hope for him to contribute once he’s fully healthy.
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