Tigers recall swingman Ty Madden from Triple-A

Madden understandably loses his spot on Detroit’s roster with two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal coming back from the injured list. The 26-year-old righty has posted a respectable 3.15 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 23/5 K/BB ratio across 20 innings in a versatile swingman role over the last few weeks. He makes sense in a low-leverage innings-eating role on a contender.

Madden got plenty of help from Detroit’s offense and reeled off three scoreless frames before running into trouble when Junior Caminero connected for a two-run homer. He wound up being lifted after recording just one out in the frame and didn’t stick around long enough to qualify for a win in his return from the injured list. His time in Detroit’s rotation is probably going to be over later this week with Justin Verlander (hip) seemingly getting close to returning from the injured list. He’s shown enough promise that he would make sense as a long relief option in the postseason.

Madden returns to Detroit’s rotation to take the ball for Monday’s series opener against the Rays after missing just over two weeks with a forearm injury. The 26-year-old has shown some promise with a strong 2.38 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 12/2 K/BB ratio across 11 1/3 innings over three starts for the Tigers this season. It’s not exactly the easiest of matchups considering Tampa Bay has been one of the best lineups in baseball this season. However, Madden represents a worthwhile streaming option in deeper mixed leagues since this road matchup is in pitcher-friendly Tropicana Field.

Madden will either start Monday’s game against Tampa Bay, or they will have him pitch in bulk behind an opener. The right-hander will miss just over the minimum 15 days after being hit in the forearm by a 107.9 mph line drive. Madden is worth streaming consideration against weaker lineups, but Tampa Bay — and his first time back on the mound in a bit — make it a risky proposition.

Madden has been on the shelf since May 16 with a contusion on his right forearm. The 26-year-old is eligible to come off the injured list Sunday, and could be an option for Detroit at some point in June if his rehab start — or starts — go well.

Madden was drilled in the forearm by a 107.9 mph line drive during Friday’s contest against the Jays. Fortunately, he didn’t suffer any structural damage, but after playing catch on Saturday he was still experiencing enough soreness that the Tigers opted to sit him down for a couple of weeks. Will Vest was activated from the injured list in a corresponding move on Sunday.

The decision to option Hanifee coincides with Ty Madden avoiding the injured list, for now, after exiting Friday’s start against the Blue Jays after being struck by a comebacker. It’s not a lock that Madden will make his next start, but it sounds like there’s optimism he’s going to be fine after being able to throw on Saturday without any issues.

He’ll head for further evaluation and likely X-rays to rule out any potential fractures. Expect the Tigers to provide an update on the right-hander’s status after the game.

Madden also struck out five and walked two while posting a 29 percent CSW and a 60 percent strike rate overall. Madden was really efficient in two-strike counts, thanks to a slider and cutter combination that each had a 17 percent swinging strike rate to right-handers. Interestingly, his slider was over two mph slower than his last outing, with almost three inches more drop. The pitch was really effective today, so perhaps some tweaks are happening here. All of the damage against Madden came in one inning when he allowed a single, a walk, and a three-run home run. We would still be really cautious with him next week against the Blue Jays.

Madden gave up four hits, walked none and struck out seven. It was an impressive 2026 debut for Madden. The 26-year-old right-hander was called up Monday and could be a factor in the Tigers’ pitching plan going forward given the injuries the team is currently dealing with. Madden came in as the bulk pitcher after Tyler Holton started and threw five scoreless innings. He will likely be used in similar fashion against the Royals this weekend.