Flaherty (back), who received an injection Monday and is scheduled to play catch Wednesday, is expected to start this weekend against the Astros if he remains free of setbacks, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.
The 28-year-old exited his start last Tuesday due to back tightness and originally lined up to make his next turn through the rotation Tuesday versus Washington, but his spot has been pushed back a few days. Flaherty's throwing session Wednesday should provide some clarity for his availability this weekend.
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Tigers' Jack Flaherty: Poised for weekend return
Rotowire
Flaherty (back) is expected to make his next start during the Tigers' three-game series in Houston that begins Friday, MLB.com reports.
Flaherty was forced out of his most recent start against the Rangers this past Tuesday, when he tossed five scoreless innings before being lifted on account of back tightness. The right-hander downplayed his injury when he addressed the media after the game and said that he expected to make his next start in Tuesday's series opener versus the Nationals, but the Tigers have since elected to err on the side of caution and give Flaherty a few extra days to recover. Detroit will take advantage of Monday's off day to reshuffle the rotation, with Kenta Maeda, Reese Olson and Casey Mize picking up starts Tuesday through Thursday before Flaherty and ace Tarik Skubal start the first two games of the series in Houston in some order. Though Flaherty looks like he won't be operating under any restrictions against the Astros after playing catch Friday and throwing a bullpen session Sunday without issue, the change in the pitching order means that he'll miss out on a two-start week.
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Tigers' Jack Flaherty: Shouldn't miss next start
Rotowire
Flaherty (back) said he expects to make his next start, which is scheduled for Tuesday against Washington, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.
Flaherty was pulled after 60 pitches in his last start due to back tightness, but it seems as though he's avoided any significant injury and is all but confirmed to face the Nationals. Considering back injuries can be touch and go, there remains a small risk that the issue will flare up again. Flaherty will look to extend his scoreless innings streak Tuesday, which stands at 11.2 innings.
Flaherty was removed from Tuesday's game against the Rangers due to back tightness, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.
Flaherty had cruised through five shutout innings and thrown just 60 pitches before being suddenly pulled from the game. Manager A.J. Hinch said after the contest that the team still does not know the severity of the right-hander's injury, but the Tigers will presumably continue to run tests on his back and have an update on his status within the next couple of days.
Tigers' Jack Flaherty: Allows just one hit in victory
Rotowire
Flaherty (2-4) earned the win over Boston on Thursday, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out nine batters over 6.2 scoreless innings.
Flaherty was at his best Thursday, racking up 15 swinging strikes and tying his season high with 6.2 frames. The right-hander struck out exactly nine batters for the third straight contest and recorded his sixth consecutive quality start. Though the win was just his second this season, Flaherty has been very good in his first year with Detroit, posting a 3.46 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 90:10 K:BB over 67.2 innings.
