Tigers’ Jack Flaherty exits Guardians game with leg injury

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty left Friday’s road game against the Cleveland Guardians after three innings because of lower leg discomfort.

Flaherty’s outing ended after he threw 63 pitches, including 39 strikes, while allowing two runs on three hits, one walk and one strikeout. He departed with the Guardians holding a 2-1 lead. The performance became his second-shortest start of the season, behind his two-inning appearance against the Cincinnati Reds on April 25.

The issue appeared to develop early in the game. Flaherty slipped on the mound during the first inning after pitching a fastball to Chase DeLauter. He later changed from bright orange cleats to white cleats before returning for the third inning. The discomfort was not related to the final play of his outing, when he stumbled while fielding a high chopper from Kyle Manzardo and completed the throw to first base, according to the Tigers. The team indicated he had been feeling the discomfort earlier in the inning.

Manager AJ Hinch said after Detroit’s 3-2 loss that Flaherty’s condition worsened as the game progressed, and the right-hander underwent additional testing following the contest.

Jacob Waguespack replaced Flaherty in the fourth inning. Recently acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers and called up from Triple-A earlier in the week, Waguespack made his first major league appearance since 2024. He worked a scoreless inning while allowing one hit and one walk.

The timing of Flaherty’s injury concern comes as the Tigers prepare to welcome frontline starters back to their rotation. Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize are expected to return from the injured list, while veteran Justin Verlander recently completed his second rehab start in Triple-A. Other rotation options include Keider Montero, who threw 6⅓ scoreless innings on Thursday, along with Framber Valdez and rookie Troy Melton.

Flaherty entered Friday’s game as the only Detroit starter who had not missed a start this season because of injury or suspension. After the outing, his season record fell to 1-8 with a 5.35 ERA across 15 starts. The Tigers, who had won seven of their previous nine games entering the series, now await the results of Flaherty’s evaluation.

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