The Detroit Tigers have placed right-handed pitcher Jackson Jobe on the 15-day injured list due to a grade 1 flexor strain in his right elbow. In a corresponding move, righty Dylan Smith has been added to the roster, as previously reported. Meanwhile, Alex Cobb has been transferred to the 60-day injured list to make room for Smith on the 40-man roster.
This development regarding Jobe follows observations from Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, who noted a decline in Jobe’s pitching velocity after the team’s last game. Jobe was notably absent from the clubhouse afterward, raising questions about his condition, particularly since there was a delay in speaking with the media. The Tigers have not issued a timeline for his return, which adds some concern given the nature of elbow injuries in pitchers.
This injury interrupts Jobe’s first significant stint in the major leagues as a former third overall pick and one of baseball’s top prospects. Although he hasn’t fully established himself, he has shown potential in his ten starts this season, recording a 4.22 earned run average alongside a 17.9% strikeout rate and a 43.2% ground ball rate. Given that Jobe is just shy of his 23rd birthday, there’s still ample opportunity for him to refine his game and grow into a dominant player.
In light of Jobe’s absence, the Tigers are exploring options to fill his rotation spot. One possibility is Sawyer Gipson-Long, who has recently completed five rehab starts after undergoing internal brace surgery last year. Prior to his surgery, Gipson-Long had a solid performance with a 2.70 ERA over four starts in 2023, making him a viable candidate for a call-up.
Regarding Cobb, the transition to the 60-day IL does not alter his recovery timeline. His placement is retroactive to when he was initially placed on the 15-day IL, which means he can be reinstated promptly. He is expected to begin a rehab assignment and will need some time to regain form after sidelining due to right hip inflammation throughout the season.
The Tigers have faced challenges with their pitching staff lately, but this situation opens the door for younger talent like Gipson-Long to step up, potentially leading to valuable experience for the team and its prospects in the long run.