Casey Mize, the Detroit Tigers right-hander and an American League All-Star earlier this season, is preparing to pitch against the Minnesota Twins on Monday night, hoping to reverse a recent string of ineffective outings. Mize’s struggle comes after a strong start to the year, making this game a critical test in his ongoing performance.
Mize’s Recent Struggles and Manager’s Concerns
Mize holds a 9-4 record with a 3.43 ERA this season but has faltered in his last three appearances. Before the All-Star break, he gave up six runs in just three innings against the Seattle Mariners. On July 22, he allowed five runs—four earned—in four innings versus the Pittsburgh Pirates. Most recently, Mize lasted only 1 2/3 innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks, surrendering two runs and issuing three walks while throwing 59 pitches.
Reflecting on his difficulties, Mize stated,
“That’s three in a row that weren’t good at all. (Against Arizona), just not near enough strikes. I’m in a bit of a funk right now that I am going to work really hard to get out of.”
Manager A.J. Hinch expressed worry about Mize’s inability to find the strike zone and noted the unusually high pitch count in such a brief outing.
“The concern was the (nearly) 60 pitches in less than two innings. He just couldn’t get a feel for the strike zone. I know his routine was disrupted (by a minor knee injury), but I looked at the numbers on the board and the power was there. That told me all I needed to know about his well-being.”
Hinch added,
“It was the lack of strikes and the long at-bats and the three walks in a short stint. He didn’t have it (Tuesday).”
Mize’s Track Record Against Minnesota Twins
Over nine career starts against the Twins, Mize is 2-4 with a 4.91 ERA. This season, he has started twice against Minnesota, posting a 1-1 record with a 4.38 ERA. The upcoming game could be pivotal as Mize attempts to improve these numbers and help the Tigers gain momentum in the season series, which Detroit currently leads 4-2.
Minnesota Twins’ Recent Performance and Team Changes
As the Twins prepare to host Detroit, their starting pitcher for Monday remains unannounced. On Sunday, Minnesota secured their first win following a major trade deadline reshuffle, edging the Cleveland Guardians 5-4. The Twins surged early with four runs in the first inning, featuring a two-run single from Trevor Larnach.
Larnach reflected on the team’s mindset, saying,
“There is no other choice but to put your head down, work and move on. I thought we’ve done a good job doing that.”
The Twins integrated eight new players from Triple-A Saint Paul last Friday amid the front office’s recent transactions.
Outfielder Austin Martin, recalled alongside others, ignited the game by leading off with a single and scoring the first run.
Manager Rocco Baldelli praised his team’s effort immediately after the victory:
“Our guys battled real good today. Came out swinging, it was great to start a game like that. It’s a great way to kind of set the tempo.… I was very, very pleased and proud of the way that our guys handled this entire series, but especially today. We played with grit in this getaway day.”
Upcoming Matchup and Team Outlook
The Monday contest begins a three-game series between Detroit and Minnesota, with the two teams set to meet in four additional games later this month in Minneapolis. The Tigers enter the matchup after a 2-0 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, ending a five-win streak. Both teams will be looking to establish a foothold in the season series and build confidence as the season progresses.