Right-hander Burch Smith exited his rehab outing for Triple-A Toledo on Thursday, July 23, after throwing just two pitches. The Detroit Tigers pitcher showed visible discomfort on both fastballs to begin the top of the seventh inning, walking off the mound with a trainer, and it just rocked the team’s plans for their bullpen.
Another Shoulder Scare for Smith
This isn’t just a bump in the road; it’s a major red flag. According to Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, Smith pulled himself from the game because of an apparent issue with his right shoulder. Hinch didn’t mince words, saying, “Obviously, it’s never good when a guy has to call it off. So some concern there, but I don’t have any update until he gets evaluated by a doctor.” Smith is now slated for evaluation for a potential injury in his shoulder and lat area. The extent of the issue remains unknown, but the immediate concern is undeniable. This is the kind of news that makes a manager lose sleep, especially when a bullpen is already stretched.
The Long Road Back Just Got Longer
Smith, 36, has pitched in 13 games for the Tigers this season, logging a 3.18 ERA over 17 innings. But that was before this latest setback. He last saw MLB action on May 21 and landed on the injured list a day later with a right shoulder injury. He made one rehab appearance for Low-A Lakeland on July 17, tossing 16 pitches in one inning and giving up two earned runs. The Tigers were really counting on Smith to return and bolster an injury-hampered bullpen, but this latest development means they’re going to be waiting. The big question now isn’t just when he’ll be back, but if he can even return to the mound at all this season. Smith has seen action for eight MLB teams over his seven-year career, even playing in Asia for two seasons, but this particular setback is brutal.
The Tigers need a doctor’s report to even begin to understand what they’re truly facing here. Until then, it’s just a waiting game, and that’s the absolute worst kind of game to play when your bullpen is already screaming for help.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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