Detroit Tigers' Casey Mize Continues to Inch Forward in Return From Tommy John Surgery

While it's not going to affect anything in the standings, it would be great if Mize could return this season as it would help build confidence and momentum towards 2024.

Picked first overall out of Auburn in the 2018 draft, Mize made his debut in 2020. He's 7-13 in his young career with a 4.29 ERA but showed real promise in 2021 when he pitched to a 3.71 ERA in 30 starts.

He got hurt at the beginning of 2022. He's part of a young core of Tigers pitchers that hasn't been able to stay healthy including Matt Manning and Tarik Skubal, though the latter are back right now.

The Tigers are 57-68 entering play on Tuesday. They are in third place in the American League Central and will take on the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night.

First pitch from Comerica Park is set for 6:40 p.m. ET as Cubs lefty Drew Smyly pitches against Tigers righty Reese Olson. 

Smyly is 9-8 with a 4.92 ERA while Olson is 2-5 with a 4.83 ERA.