Casey Mize (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Detroit Tigers top prospect Casey Mize could make his MLB debut on Sunday.
Casey Mize could finally get the long-awaited MLB start after playing in the minor leagues the past two seasons. Mize was the first overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft out of Auburn. In two seasons as a minor leaguer, Mize has pitched 123 innings and recorded 120 strikeouts, a 2.71 ERA, 2.85 run average, and only had seven home runs hit. He currently has an 8-4 record in the minor leagues.
Casey Mize getting the start Sunday against the Reds would be a big deal in terms of determining how he will fit into the team’s plans at the highest level. According to Mark Polishuk of MLB Trade Rumors, nothing is set in stone right now for two reasons: General Manager Al Avila hasn’t put out an official statement and rain/thunderstorms are in the forecast for the Detroit area this weekend so the Tigers don’t want to call him up for the Reds game if it’s not going to happen.
Could Casey Mize be who the Tigers need to stay competitive in the American League and AL Central?
Motor City Bengals writer Roger Castillo weighed the pros and cons of calling up the young prospect and his dominant tenure with the Erie Seawolves got the attention of Detroit Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire who admired his poise and decisiveness on the mound. He went 6-3 during his time with the Erie SeaWolves and recorded 76 strikeouts and only five home runs were hit on him. That’s an excellent ratio for a pitcher so it’s definitely worth a shot.
The Detroit Tigers are currently second in the AL Central with a 5-3 record. Of the pitchers starting for the team, Spencer Turnbull has the most strikeouts with 14 and the best ERA (2.45). Michael Fulmer will get the start in the next game.