It was Casey Mize, cruising. He’s hitting pause now, but he’s not panicking.
The right-hander for the Detroit Tigers, who has been quietly leading a 2025 comeback, was placed on the 15-day disabled list on May 10 (retroactive to May 9) due to a strain in his left hamstring, the same hamstring that sidelined him for two months the previous season.
However, this time? It isn’t quite as grave.
In fact, according to Mize, he would most likely still be pitching if the season were late.
“I tweaked it in the game,” Mize said as quoted by the Detroit Free Press. “We’re being a little bit more conservative because it’s May. If it’s September, we might not be having this conversation.”
TL;DR
Pitcher Casey Mize of the Tigers is out with a slight strain of his left hamstring, which he believes is not serious. He didn’t need to be removed in-game, is still throwing, and may be back by May 24. With what looks to be a huge comeback season, Mize and the Tigers are putting prudence first.
Casey Mize Injury Update: “Very Mild,” Still Throwing
The injury didn’t appear to be anything significant during Mize’s May 8 appearance — and that’s because it wasn’t. Even so, he struck out eight batters and walked none in his final six innings, giving up only one run on three hits.
“Very mild,” Mize said when asked about the severity.
“I think that kind of proves how minor it is. Something is there, but it’s not as bad.”
That was repeated by Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, who described it as a “mild strain.”
The greatest indication is that Mize hasn’t even closed his arm.
“I’m not shutting down my arm at all,” Mize said. “Even my normal prep work and routine is the same, with some added rehab stuff. I think that’s a positive sign.”
After throwing a bullpen session on May 13, he might not even need to start rehab before making a comeback.
Strong Start to a Comeback Season
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Mize has been excellent since returning to the mound in 2025, which makes this time in Illinois more unpleasant.
- 7 starts
- 2.53 ERA
- 42.2 innings pitched
- 35 strikeouts, 9 walks
Mize has appeared to be a pitcher reborn after missing the all of 2023 and the majority of 2024. He combines command, confidence, and swing-and-miss stuff.
This is why it’s a speed bump rather than a setback.
Key Takeaways
- Casey Mize is on the 15-day IL with a mild left hamstring strain.
- The injury is not as severe as his 2024 hamstring issue.
- Mize is still throwing and continuing most of his usual prep work.
- He could return by May 24, potentially skipping a rehab start.
The Bottom Line
Although it’s not the news Tigers supporters were hoping for, it’s still not a complete catastrophe.
Although this hamstring injury is a short-term setback, all indications are that Casey Mize, one of the best stories of Detroit’s 2025 season, will make a full and speedy recovery.
He’s not going to shut it down. He remains prepared.
Additionally, Mize’s second act may be his finest to date if this comeback tale continues to trend as it has.
