Jackson Jobe, after a grueling 14-month recovery from Tommy John surgery, is finally set to make his season debut this weekend in San Francisco. He just turned 24, but it sounds like he’s packed a lifetime of experience into those years, especially since debuting at 21 back in 2024.
“A Blessing In Disguise”
Jobe underwent surgery in June of 2025, after posting a 4-1 record with a 4.22 ERA in 10 starts. Coming back in just 14 months shows a crazy level of commitment to getting back on the mound and reclaiming his spot. The man himself said it was “a blessing in disguise,” noting he “learned a lot about myself as a person” when the game was taken away. He had to figure out his identity off the field, which he believes was “really good” for him. He’s convinced everything happens for a reason and that he’s come out “better on the back end of it.” The Tigers are definitely banking on that, especially after trading Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize, which left them suddenly down two starters. Drew Anderson even had to transition back to the rotation and started in Mize’s place recently.
Full Throttle Ahead (Almost)
Jobe completed five rehab starts, with three of those against A-ball hitters, and he’s now built up to four innings and 70 pitches. Manager AJ Hinch is planning to “responsibly stretch him out,” admitting Jobe isn’t “quite at full-throttle” yet. But they’re going to use his innings given their current situation and his recovery. The guy has clearly put in the work, too. As the Tigers’ first-round pick and third overall in 2021, he’s completely grown into his 6-2 frame and has been hitting a blistering 100 mph with his fastball. What’s more, he’s even more pleased with how the feel on his secondary pitches has returned. He feels his “strike-throwing feels pretty good,” with only “two-strike execution” being the last piece to snap into place. Jobe said he’s in a much better spot than he expected, feeling “better and better” with each rehab start and finally “starting to feel normal.”
Jobe got the activation news Monday night, then hopped an early flight from Detroit to Seattle on Tuesday before heading to San Francisco. He’s been all over the map with rehab starts in four different states, and he’s just “really grateful to be back.” We’re all hyped to see what his return looks like this weekend when he steps onto the mound in San Francisco.
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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