The Detroit Tigers’ bullpen is running on fumes, completely gassed, and they’ve just hit the panic button to call up right-handed pitcher Ty Madden. This move is happening before they even square off against the Chicago Cubs tonight, Tuesday, July 21, in the second game of their three-game series. Manager A.J. Hinch isn’t even trying to hide it, saying they’ve “got to sort through our options” because it’s been such a “late day, as you can tell, no BP on the field.” You know it’s a scramble when the BP gets canceled.
The Bullpen Is Officially Exhausted (No Joke)
Look, the bullpen isn’t just tired; it’s spent. Over the last two games, those arms have been absolutely taxed thanks to two brutally short starts that blew up the pitching plans. First, there’s Casey Mize, who’s been battling a groin injury. He lasted a mere 3 1/3 innings on Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels before getting yanked. Not only was the groin discomfort a problem, but he also got hammered on the left hand by a comebacker. Brutal luck, right? Then, on Monday against these same Cubs, Jack Flaherty couldn’t even make it past four innings. That’s a combo that’ll torch any bullpen, and Hinch flat out admitted “The last two days have been taxing for sure.” He mentioned how “this (Cubs’) offense over there will grind through a lot of different at bats,” which only makes things worse. They were already eyeing a bullpen refresh this week, even planning to insert Keider Montero into the rotation quicker. Yeah, it was that bad.
Ty Madden’s Numbers: Is He the Fix?
So, here comes Ty Madden to the rescue. Hinch confirmed Madden will be active tonight, and the corresponding roster move was expected to drop super fast. Madden isn’t exactly a stranger; he’s already pitched in seven games for the Tigers this year, including one start. In those 20 innings, he’s posted a solid 3.15 ERA, racked up 23 strikeouts, and only walked five. Those are some promising numbers for a guy getting thrown into the fire. Hinch trusts him, saying Madden “just has a lot of options, especially against a heavy right-handed lineup.” The manager loves Madden’s “tough combo with his slider and split” and how he “challenges the strike zone.” They even shortened his last start, anticipating he’d be needed in the bullpen for either this Cubs series or the upcoming Royal series. That’s a vote of confidence, and honestly, they need it.
Tonight’s game against the Cubs is huge for Detroit. Can Madden provide that “good arm with some length” Hinch is hoping for? The bullpen needs a breather, and Madden is walking into a high-pressure situation. All eyes are on him to deliver and prove he can be the reliable arm this battered bullpen desperately needs.
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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