Shortly before Tuesday night’s game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, the Detroit Tigers announced disappointing news regarding veteran right-hander Jack Flaherty.
Via Detroit Tigers PR on X: “The Tigers today placed RHP Jack Flaherty on the 15-day injured list with right flexor inflammation. RHP Ty Madden has been recalled from Triple-A Toledo.”
Detroit Tigers Place Jack Flaherty on IL During Chicago Cubs Series
GettyARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 04: Jack Flaherty #9 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on July 04, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
The exact severity of the injury is still unknown, but the Tigers are “hopeful” that it isn’t too serious.
Via MLive Media Group’s Evan Woodbery on X: “The Tigers placed RHP Jack Flaherty on the 15-day IL today with right flexor inflammation. They’re hopeful it’s a mild injury and that he’ll need only a brief IL stint.”
Flaherty, 30, is 3-8 with a 4.59 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 102 strikeouts in 86 2/3 innings across 19 starts this season.
Jack Flaherty News Comes At Terrible Time For Detroit Tigers
GettyDETROIT, MI – JULY 10: Jack Flaherty #9 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Comerica Park on July 10, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
Even if Flaherty ends up missing just a few starts, the timing of the news couldn’t be worse for the Tigers. Entering Tuesday’s matchup with Chicago, Detroit trailed the Boston Red Sox by 4 1/2 games for the third American League Wild Card spot and the Chicago White Sox by 6 1/2 games for first place in the American League Central with a 47-53 record.
In short, the Tigers have a poor record but are still in the postseason race.
With the Aug. 3 trade deadline looming, it’s still uncertain whether the Tigers will be a seller or a buyer. Flaherty’s likely increased the odds of Detroit being sellers.
More About Injured Detroit Tigers Pitcher Jack Flaherty
GettyDETROIT, MI – JUNE 7: Jack Flaherty #9 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Comerica Park on June 7, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
Flaherty has 10 years of big-league experience.
The St. Louis Cardinals selected Flaherty in the first round (No. 34 overall) of the 2014 MLB Draft out of Harvard-Westlake High School in Los Angeles.
The Cardinals called Flaherty up to the majors for the first time in 2017. He posted a 6.33 ERA in 21 1/3 innings over six appearances (five starts).
Flaherty qualified as a rookie in 2018. He posted a 3.34 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP and 182 strikeouts in 151 innings over 28 starts en route to finishing fifth in National League Rookie of the Year voting.
Flaherty had the best season of his career in 2019, recording a 2.75 ERA with a league-best 0.97 WHIP and 231 strikeouts in 196 1/3 innings across 33 starts en route to finishing fourth in National League Cy Young voting.
Flaherty pitched for the Cardinals until being dealt to the Baltimore Orioles at the 2023 trade deadline. He signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Tigers in the 2023-24 season.
Detroit traded Flaherty to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024. Flaherty won a World Series with the Dodgers.
Flaherty rejoined the Tigers in the 2024-25 offseason, signing a two-year, $35 million deal with the club. In his three seasons with Detroit, Flaherty has posted a 4.12 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP and 423 strikeouts over 354 innings.
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