Detroit Tigers right-hander Casey Mize is showing renewed promise this season as he prepares to face Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller in Pittsburgh on Tuesday night. Mize’s recent All-Star selection marks a significant milestone in his comeback journey, highlighting the improvement that Detroit expected when they drafted him first overall in 2018 out of Auburn.
After a challenging start to his major league career, including a 7-9 record with a 3.71 ERA in 2021, Mize’s trajectory was interrupted by Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for most of 2022 and the entire 2023 season. His return last season was difficult, posting a 2-6 record with a 4.49 ERA across 22 appearances, but this year, Mize appears to have regained his form, compiling 77 strikeouts and 22 walks in nearly 89 innings.
It’s been a long journey, Mize said recently.
Still have a long way to go, but I feel like this is pretty validating of some hard work and some tough times turning into success and good times.
—Casey Mize, Detroit Tigers pitcher
Recent Performances and Upcoming Encounter
Mize’s first half of the season included a rare poor outing on July 12, allowing six runs in three innings during a loss to the Seattle Mariners. Despite that, he contributed one run allowed in two-thirds of an inning at the All-Star Game. Against the Pirates, Mize holds a 1-0 record with a 3.27 ERA in his two career starts, including a June 17 win where he pitched six innings and gave up two earned runs.
The Tigers are emerging from their roughest spell of the season, snapping a six-game losing streak with a win against the Texas Rangers on Sunday, but then falling 3-0 to Pittsburgh on Monday as Pirates ace Paul Skenes dominated. Detroit’s offense has struggled, scoring just three runs in four games since the All-Star break, compounded by uncertainty about shortstop Javier Baez’s availability due to left shoulder soreness.
Mitch Keller’s Recent Form and Impact on Pirates’ Momentum
The Pirates, meanwhile, picked up only their second win in 13 games on Monday. Before Skenes’ standout performance, Keller was the only starter to secure a victory during that stretch. Keller, currently 3-10 with a 3.48 ERA, allowed one run over six innings with no walks and three strikeouts to help Pittsburgh defeat Minnesota 2-1 on July 13. That was the Pirates’ only win on a nine-game road trip before the All-Star break.
Keller has faced the Tigers five times, holding a 1-1 record and a 3.67 ERA. Recently, he has delivered some of his best work, going 2-0 with a 1.44 ERA over his last four starts covering 25 innings. However, Keller’s performance has been hampered by limited run support; Pittsburgh averages just 2.54 runs per nine innings when he pitches, the lowest run support among National League starters, according to Screwball.ai.
Keller acknowledged his approach on the mound:
Just trying to go as deep as I can and keep the pressure off the bullpen and set us up to win games,
he said.
That’s really all I’m trying to do is to be efficient and cover innings.
—Mitch Keller, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher
Significance of the Matchup and Outlook for Tigers and Pirates
This matchup between Mize and Keller is pivotal for both teams. Detroit’s recent offensive struggles underscore the need for strong pitching performances like Mize’s to turn the team’s fortunes around. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh seeks to build on its rare wins to regain momentum amidst a difficult stretch. If Mize can maintain his current level of effectiveness, it could serve as a crucial boost for the Tigers during this critical part of the season.
As the Pirates battle through their offensive challenges, the performances from their starters Keller and Skenes will continue to be vital. With the trade deadline approaching, Keller’s recent strong outings have caught the attention of contending clubs, potentially influencing roster decisions in the coming weeks.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Casey Mize?
A. It was announced that Mize needed Tommy John surgery, ending his 2022 season sooner than expected.