Every team faces injuries, but the Detroit Tigers might be getting a major boost just in time. Starting pitcher Casey Mize is nearing his return from the injured list, and the timing couldn't be better for a rotation looking for stability.

Mize, who has been sidelined with a groin strain, is eligible to come off the IL on Friday. The right-hander threw a live bullpen session in Lakeland on Monday and is scheduled for another bullpen at Citi Field on Wednesday. Perhaps most encouraging for Tigers fans: Mize doesn't feel like he's lost much ground during his recovery.

"I'm not feeling anything in my legs," Mize said. "I wouldn't say I am in build-up mode because I didn't have that much time off to lose much. I feel like the work capacity is still there."

Manager AJ Hinch is taking a cautious approach but acknowledged that Mize might not need a minor-league rehab start. "We're going to get to tomorrow and get through his bullpen and see where he's at," Hinch said. "He's been able to hold his volume. We've challenged him a couple of times with facing hitters and we've built extensive back-to-back bullpens."

There's precedent for a quick return. Mize navigated a similar situation last year when he came off the 15-day IL for a hamstring strain and jumped straight back into action. "I am not entirely sure," Mize said of his exact timeline. "I just know I feel close. I don't think I lost much in terms of workload capacity."

In other encouraging injury updates around the Tigers' clubhouse:

Shortstop/centerfielder Javier Báez (right ankle sprain) has started his hitting progression in Lakeland, though he's still not moving well enough for running or defensive drills.

Second baseman Gleyber Torres (left oblique strain) is doing full baseball work in Lakeland after recently beginning his own hitting progression.

Right-handed pitcher Troy Melton (elbow inflammation) has moved his rehab to Triple-A Toledo and is expected to start for the Mud Hens on Wednesday. He's not eligible to come off the IL until May 24.

Right-handed reliever Will Vest (forearm inflammation) threw a bullpen on Monday, while relievers Connor Seabold (left ankle inflammation) and Beau Brieske (left groin strain) were scheduled to pitch for Toledo.

With Mize on the verge of returning, the Tigers' rotation depth is getting a timely reinforcement. Stay tuned for Friday's lineup—it might feature a familiar face on the mound.