What's Happening?
The Detroit Tigers are planning to utilize Alex Cobb as a reliever once he is activated from the 60-day injured list. Cobb, who has been recovering from inflammation in both hips, recently pitched out of the bullpen during a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo. In his latest appearance, he struck out four batters and did not allow a hit over three innings. This marks his first outing as a reliever during his rehab process. Manager A.J. Hinch has indicated that the team intends to keep Cobb stretched out to handle 30 to 50 pitches, suggesting he will not be required to extend beyond a three-inning workload. Cobb has shown promising performance on his rehab assignment, maintaining a 1.53 ERA with a 23:11 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 17.2 innings.
Why It's Important?
Cobb's transition to a bullpen role is significant for the Tigers as they seek to bolster their pitching staff during the latter part of the season. His successful recovery and adaptation to a reliever position could provide the team with a reliable option in high-leverage situations. This move also reflects the Tigers' strategic approach to managing player health and maximizing performance, especially as they aim to remain competitive in their division. Cobb's ability to contribute effectively could impact the team's overall pitching depth and effectiveness, potentially influencing their standings and playoff aspirations.
What's Next?
As Cobb continues his recovery and prepares for activation, the Tigers will monitor his performance closely to ensure he can consistently deliver in his new role. The team may adjust his workload based on his progress and the needs of the bullpen. Additionally, the Tigers will likely evaluate how Cobb's presence affects their pitching strategy and roster decisions as they approach the end of the season.
