According to the Detroit Tigers, starting pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long (elbow) is playing catch from 120 feet three times a week. Gipson-Long is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery he underwent in April and also a hip operation he underwent in July and was unable to pitch at all last summer. In 2023, the Mercer product made his major league debut and performed quite well as he posted a 2.70 ERA and 1.10 WHIP across 20 innings (four starts.) During this small stint, he struck out 26 batters and served up eight walks. Across 34 2/3 career innings at the Triple-A level, Gipson-Long has posted a 5.45 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP. Fantasy managers in deeper AL-only formats should continue to monitor his status throughout the first half of the season, as he may find himself back in rotation once he returns to the mound.
Sawyer Gipson-Long To Begin Throwing Program Next Week
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long (elbow) is set to begin a throwing program next week, according to the Tigers' medical report. Gipson-Long underwent Tommy John surgery in April after injuring his arm during a rehab start. The 26-year-old was rehabbing from a groin strain when his arm issue arose, certainly a big setback for a pitcher who would have competed for a starting job in the Tigers' rotation in 2024. Gipson-Long was impressive in his four-game stint in 2023, posting a 2.70 ERA in four starts. With his throwing program starting up in October, he'll have plenty of time to properly rehab and be ready to impress in 2025. Those in dynasty leagues should keep an eye on the right-hander, as his 31.7% strikeout rate can provide a lot of value from a fantasy perspective.
Detroit Tigers right-handed pitching prospect Sawyer Gipson-Long (forearm) is getting further evaluation for forearm tightness, which usually doesn't bode well. The 26-year-old is also battling a left-groin strain, so he's not going to return to minor-league action for a while. The Tigers' No. 10 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, left a rehab start with Single-A Lakeland when he experienced right-forearm tightness. Gipson-Long made four starts for the Tigers in his major-league debut in 2023 and impressed by going 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA and 1.10 WHIP with eight walks and 26 strikeouts in 20 innings pitched. With Detroit having more rotation depth this year, there's no way they are going to rush Gipson-Long back to the big leagues if his forearm injury doesn't require surgery.
Detroit Tigers right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long (groin, forearm), who made a minor-league rehab start for Single-A Lakeland after opening the year on the injured list with a left-groin strain, is now undergoing evaluation for right-forearm tightness, according to the team. It's a concerning development for the club's No. 10 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. The 26-year-old former sixth-round pick of the Minnesota Twins in 2019 out of Mercer University made his big-league debut in 2023 and impressed by posting a 2.70 ERA (3.16 FIP) and 1.10 WHIP with eight walks and 26 strikeouts in his first 20 innings over four starts. Gipson-Long is worth stashing only in dynasty/keeper leagues right now, but he could be looking at an extended absence, depending on the severity of his forearm injury.
Detroit Tigers right-handed rookie Sawyer Gipson-Long (groin), who has been dealing with a left-groin strain since the start of spring training, was scheduled to throw a live batting practice session in camp on Wednesday in Lakeland, Florida. Gipson-Long's groin injury has prevented him from competing for a starting spot to begin the 2024 regular season, but as long as he doesn't have any further setbacks, he should be ready to go shortly after the minor-league season kicks off. Per MLB Pipeline, the 26-year-old is the team's No. 11 prospect. He had 26 strikeouts in 20 innings over his first four MLB starts in 2023 despite having an ERA over 5.00 at Triple-A Toledo before his call-up. Gipson-Long could use some more minor-league seasoning before becoming an option for Detroit's rotation once again at some point down the road in 2024.
Detroit Tigers right-hander Brendan White (elbow) has been experiencing posterior right-elbow soreness in camp and will complete a short period of rest before re-starting his throwing program. Fellow right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long (groin) reported left-groin discomfort after throwing a bullpen session last week in which imaging confirmed a left-groin strain. White's injury could hurt his chances of winning a roster spot in Detroit's bullpen to start the year. The 25-year-old had a 5.09 ERA and 1.35 WHIP with 44 K's and 15 walks in 40 2/3 innings over 33 outings (two starts) in his rookie year in 2023. Gipson-Long, 26, is probably unlikely to win a starting-rotation spot out of spring training this year, especially now that he's hurt.
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long took the mound for his big league debut against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. The right-hander was sharp, allowing two runs on four hits over five innings of work. He was also able to strike out five batters without allowing a walk. Gipson-Long was struggling with a 5.45 ERA in Triple-A, but appears to have put those struggles behind him. There's a chance that Gipson-Long remains in the rotation with Matt Manning (foot) sidelined right now. The 25-year-old could be a possible streaming option, assuming the Tigers give him another turn in the rotation.
Sawyer Gipson-Long
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Tigers
