Tigers' Troy Melton, Beau Brieske ready to start second spring training
Two right-handed pitchers the Tigers are counting on to make an impact at some point this season are back to square one.
Cincinnati — Troy Melton and Beau Brieske, two right-handed pitchers the Tigers are counting on to make an impact at some point this season are back to square one — meaning, after missing time with injuries, they are ready to restart spring training. “They both threw bullpens,” manager AJ Hinch said. “Melton threw a live session (to hitters) and was hitting mid-90s with his fastball.
What that means, basically, is now we have to recreate spring training for both of them. ” Both are doing their work in Lakeland. Melton missed all of spring with right elbow inflammation .
Brieske made a couple of outings in the spring before being shut down with a left adductor strain. All-Star utility man Zach McKinstry ( hip and abdominal inflammation ), also in Lakeland, has accelerated his baseball activity. “I got a great video of him hitting and running yesterday with little if any restriction,” Hinch said.
“That’s a good start. ” Hinch said McKinstry, who could come off the injured list as early as Monday, will stay in Lakeland until he’s cleared for competition. It’s likely he will get a rehab start or two with Triple-A Toledo.