The Detroit Tigers are getting a much-needed boost to their pitching staff this weekend, as starter Casey Mize is set to return from the injured list to take the mound against the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch confirmed the news, marking a welcome sight for a rotation that has been battered by injuries all season.

Mize, who earned his first All-Star nod in 2025, was forced to leave his April 28 start against the Atlanta Braves early and was subsequently placed on the 15-day IL with a right adductor strain. Before the setback, the right-hander was having a stellar start to the season, posting a sharp 2.90 ERA over 31 innings while recording a career-high 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings. His return couldn't come at a better time, as the Tigers' rotation has been decimated: Tarik Skubal (elbow surgery), Justin Verlander (hip inflammation), and Jackson Jobe (Tommy John surgery) are all rehabbing, while Reese Olson is out for the season with a shoulder injury.

Mize won't be the only arm rejoining the team this weekend. The Tigers also activated right-handed reliever Connor Seabold from the 15-day IL ahead of Friday's series opener against the Blue Jays. Seabold had been sidelined since April 26 with left ankle inflammation and has made eight appearances for Detroit this season, pitching to a 4.09 ERA over 11 innings. To clear a roster spot for Seabold, the Tigers optioned righty Ricky Vanasco to Triple-A Toledo. Vanasco struggled in his four big-league outings, surrendering seven earned runs, including two appearances in mop-up duty during the team's recent series against the New York Mets.

With Mize back in the rotation and Seabold adding depth to the bullpen, the Tigers are hoping to stabilize a pitching staff that has been stretched thin. Saturday's start will be a key test for Mize as he looks to pick up where he left off and help Detroit climb the standings.