What's Happening?
Sawyer Gipson-Long, a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, faced a challenging outing against the New York Yankees, allowing seven runs on seven hits over 2.1 innings of relief. This performance contributed to the Tigers' 9-3 loss. Gipson-Long, who struck out three batters during his appearance, has been struggling recently, having allowed 13 runs over his last 6.1 innings pitched. His current ERA stands at 7.18, reflecting his difficulties on the mound. Despite these struggles, Gipson-Long may continue to play a significant role for the Tigers, either in a bulk relief capacity or as a starter, especially with Reese Olson sidelined due to a shoulder injury.
Why It's Important?
Gipson-Long's performance is significant for the Detroit Tigers as they navigate their pitching options amidst injuries. His struggles highlight the challenges the team faces in maintaining a competitive pitching lineup. For fantasy baseball enthusiasts, Gipson-Long's current form makes him a risky choice, impacting decisions in fantasy leagues. The Tigers' reliance on him, despite his recent performances, underscores the team's need for depth in their pitching staff. This situation could influence the Tigers' strategy in upcoming games and their approach to player development and acquisitions.
What's Next?
Gipson-Long is expected to start in the upcoming game against the Cleveland Guardians. However, the Tigers might consider using an opener strategy again, given his recent performances. This decision will be crucial for the Tigers as they aim to stabilize their pitching rotation. The team's management will likely monitor Gipson-Long's performance closely to determine his role moving forward, especially as they await Reese Olson's return from injury.