Spring training giveth, and spring training taketh away. Just ask the Detroit Tigers.
Right-hander Troy Melton, one of Detroit's most intriguing young arms, is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day after being diagnosed with inflammation in his right elbow. Manager A.J. Hinch said the doctor recommended one to two weeks of no throwing — a cautious but necessary pause with March 26 looming.
"It's unlikely that he's going to be ready for the beginning of the season," Hinch admitted (via Jason Beck of MLB.com).
That's a tough blow — not necessarily because Melton was guaranteed a rotation spot, but because of what he represented.
After emerging as a key reliever and spot starter down the stretch last season, Melton entered camp as a legitimate depth weapon. Before Detroit signed Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander, there was at least a path to the rotation. Once those veterans solidified the top five, Melton's most realistic Opening Day role shifted to multi-inning relief — the kind of flexible arm every contender needs.
Now, that flexibility remains on pause. The Tigers have options — Keider Montero, Brant Hurter, Brenan Hanifee, Drew Anderson and Bryan Sammons can cover innings — but Melton's ability to bridge games or stretch into a spot start made him uniquely valuable.
If nothing else, the shutdown does offer one silver lining: workload management. Melton threw a career-high 121 regular-season innings last year plus postseason work. A slightly delayed start could eliminate any innings concerns later — assuming the elbow responds well.
Dillon Dingler returns to Tigers' lineup for first time since elbow surgery
The Tigers got some positive injury news when Dillon Dingler returned to game action Friday at Joker Marchant Stadium, serving as designated hitter while continuing his rehab from January arthroscopic elbow surgery. He went 1-for-2 with an RBI double and a run scored — not bad for a first step.
He hasn't yet been cleared to catch yet, but he's close. After three days of live batting practice on the backfields, Dingler is progressing through his throwing program and could be fully cleared within a week and a half.
Fortunately, unlike Melton's situation, there's little expectation Dingler will miss regular-season time. The Tigers are being methodical, but everything points toward him being ready when the games count.
Detroit's roster is veteran-heavy at the top — particularly in the rotation — but depth and internal growth remain the backbone of this team's identity. Losing Melton, even temporarily, chips at that foundation. But getting Dingler back on schedule reinforces it.