Last season marked a significant turning point for Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize. The former first-round draft pick achieved a career milestone, earning his first American League All-Star selection. His performance was stellar, finishing with a 14-6 record and a 3.87 earned run average (ERA). Mize recorded 139 strikeouts against just 36 walks over 149 innings pitched. He played a crucial role in the Tigers’ impressive early season surge and their eventual playoff berth, which included a victory over the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Wild Card series.
A Shift in Expectations for Mize
Entering the current season, the pressure on Mize appears to be somewhat alleviated. The Tigers boast a formidable rotation, with Tarik Skubal leading the charge, complemented by seasoned veterans like Jack Flaherty, Justin Verlander, and Framber Valdez. Mize is now positioned as a fifth starter within a deeply talented pitching staff. While his talent has always been evident, he also benefits from the peace of mind that comes with being four years removed from Tommy John surgery. This surgery had previously cost him his entire 2023 season and necessitated a considerable ramp-up period in 2024.
However, the narrative isn’t solely about external factors. A closer examination reveals that Mize’s pitching mechanics have become a focal point of concern this spring.
The Mechanics Conundrum
Unlike some pitchers who readily articulate their physical condition and any mechanical deviations, Mize finds himself grappling with an issue he’s historically not encountered. Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer, for instance, is known for his profound understanding of his own body and his ability to concisely explain when things are not functioning optimally.
Mize, conversely, expressed his frustration to MLB.com regarding his current pitching mechanics. “That’s never been my issue,” Mize stated. “This is why it’s frustrating that it’s happening now. But there’s a silver lining: History will probably tell you that it’s not going to continue. But I’ve got to get to work, for sure.” This sentiment highlights the unusual nature of his current predicament.
Spring Training Struggles and a Tight Deadline
Mize’s spring training statistics so far reflect these mechanical concerns. He currently stands at 0-2 with a 7.15 ERA across four appearances, including three starts. In 11.1 innings pitched, he has registered six strikeouts and seven walks. While most baseball insiders and managers downplay the significance of spring training numbers, the visual evidence on video is proving more telling. What Mize is observing on tape is reportedly troubling, and he has a limited window – just a couple of weeks – to rectify these issues before they potentially carry over into the regular season.
The Detroit Tigers organization can offer Mize some breathing room if these mechanical problems persist. By placing him at the back end of the rotation, his first start wouldn’t be until March 31, the fifth game of the Tigers’ season. This provides him with over two weeks to address a mechanical challenge that is entirely new to his career.
Despite the current hurdles, Mize has demonstrated remarkable resilience in overcoming past obstacles to reach this stage. Considering his history of perseverance, it would be unwise to bet against his ability to resolve this latest challenge.
