Detroit Tigers' Former No. 1 Pick Makes Starting Rotation in Advance of Opening Day

After some thoughts that maybe he wouldn't, former Detroit Tigers' No. 1 overall draft pick Casey Mize has earned a spot in the starting rotation in advance of Opening Day.

Per Cody Stavenhagen of 'The Athletic' on social media:

The Tigers have optioned Matt Manning.

That means Casey Mize and Reese Olson will make the rotation.
— Cody Stavenhagen (@CodyStavenhagen) March 22, 2024

This is certainly a double-edged sword. It's great to see Mize healthy enough to make the rotation from day one considering he missed all of last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. It's also unfortunate to see Manning get optioned as the team has tried to build around a group of young pitchers that includes both Mize and Manning - as well as Tarik Skubal. Unfortunately, the trio hasn't been able to stay healthy and be productive at the same time.

Picked first overall out of Auburn in the 2018 draft, Mize made his debut in 2020. He's 7-13 in his young career with a 4.29 ERA but showed real promise in 2021 when he pitched to a 3.71 ERA in 30 starts.

Detroit finished second in the Central last season behind the Minnesota Twins and will be looking to make another jump this year. In addtion to including Mize and Olson in the rotation, they'll also feature Skubal, Kenta Maeda and Jack Flaherty. They will also be looking for continued steps forward from young position players like Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene.

Detroit will open its season on Thursday against the Chicago White Sox.

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