Troy Melton Likely to Miss Season Start with Elbow Injury

The Detroit Tigers are working through a handful of health updates as spring training wraps up. Pitching depth is front and center, and these injuries might shape how the season opens.

A.J. Hinch gave the latest on Troy Melton, Beau Brieske, and a few positional players. He painted a picture of a cautious but hopeful timeline for Detroit’s roster decisions.

Melton’s elbow inflammation has become a major talking point for the Tigers’ January-to-May planning. Roster construction is looming, and Melton’s status complicates things.

Tigers’ Spring Health Update: Melton’s Uncertain Start

Troy Melton probably won’t be ready for Opening Day after being shut down with right elbow inflammation. Hinch said Melton will rest his arm for one to two weeks before easing back into throwing, so they’re clearly playing it safe right now.

The 25-year-old was supposed to be a flexible piece—maybe an extra starter, maybe a long reliever—so this setback stings as camp winds down. Melton played a real role late in 2025, going 3-2 with a 2.76 ERA and a 1.007 WHIP over 16 appearances, including four starts.

Opponents hit just .191/.263/.346 against him. He even tossed 8.1 innings in the postseason, including two scoreless frames in that wild, 15-inning ALDS Game 5 loss to Seattle.

His numbers highlight his value as a multi-inning option who can step into a lot of spots—if he’s healthy. With camp ending in about three weeks, Melton’s running out of time to show he’s ready for a roster spot.

Hinch pointed out that Melton isn’t throwing yet, but he’s still lifting and doing fielding drills. That’s at least a sign the Tigers haven’t given up hope for a quick return to the mound.

Still, Melton’s status hangs over Detroit’s early-season plans. The team has to decide if his timeline works for what they need in a bridge arm or spot starter for March and April.

Impact on Detroit’s Rotation and Bullpen Depth

With Melton out for now, Detroit has to lean harder on its internal depth. Maybe someone else steps up during camp and grabs the opportunity.

He was a strong candidate for that bridge role, but now the elbow issue opens the door for other arms. The Tigers might try a mix of relievers who can eat innings and keep a rotation slot flexible if Melton can’t go.

Meanwhile, other pitchers and position players are grinding to prove they deserve a spot. Detroit’s trying to balance the need for reliable depth with the reality that spring is short and decisions come fast.

Other Tigers Injury Updates: Brieske, Dingler, and Sweeney

Beau Brieske hit a different snag. He got scratched with thoracic spine inflammation and now sits day to day.

It’s not as scary as Melton’s elbow thing, but people are keeping an eye on Brieske. The Tigers sound optimistic—he’s “doing well,” apparently—but a setback could mess with early-season plans or shake up the rotation competition.

Dillon Dingler had offseason arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow. Now, he’s making real progress.

Dingler just made his spring debut as the designated hitter. He’ll keep DH’ing for a bit while his throwing timeline moves along.

Getting him back into hitting—and, eventually, throwing—matters for the Tigers’ plans at catcher. It’s a piece of the puzzle for depth behind the plate, too.

Trey Sweeney can’t throw right now because of a shoulder issue. That pretty much takes him out of the immediate roster mix.

It’s a tough break. For infielders, arm strength is everything, so Sweeney’s situation really drives home how much spring injuries shape who gets a shot.

• Melton’s status: Elbow inflammation; 1-2 weeks off throwing; possible bridge role if he’s ready soon.
• Brieske’s status: Thoracic spine inflammation; day to day but seems to be progressing.
• Dingler’s status: Elbow surgery recovery; back as DH, throwing will come later.
• Sweeney’s status: Shoulder issue; can’t throw yet.
• Season planning: Spring timing is tight—big decisions coming on bullpen and rotation depth.

If you’re a Tigers fan, well, it all comes down to health. Detroit’s plans for a flexible pitching staff and a sturdy bench basically hang on who’s ready when the season kicks off.

Guess we’ll see soon if Melton, Brieske, and the others can jump in—or if the Tigers have to play it even safer heading into Opening Day.

 
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