Wounded Tigers, Melton, Brieske, Jobe, making gains in Lakeland

Atlanta – There was a lot going on in Lakeland Tuesday morning. Recovering right-handed pitchers Troy Melton (elbow inflammation) and Beau Brieske (adductor strain) both threw live batting practice and one of the hitters was Zach McKinstry (hip/abdomen inflammation), who is trending toward a rehab stint. “We are chipping away at this health thing,” manager AJ Hinch said.

“We're feeling better about things by the update. ” Melton, Hinch said, is going to build up to be a starter and these live sessions are the equivalent of the start of spring training. He said it's likely to be a five- to six-week process to get him back to where he can be in the mix, either at Triple-A Toledo or Detroit.

Brieske, a reliever, will likely get to that point a few weeks sooner. Also in Lakeland, right-hander Jackson Jobe, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, threw off a mound for the first time. “(His return) is well off into the future,” Hinch said.

“But it’s nice to see him change his program a little bit. ” Right-hander Justin Verlander (hip) is scheduled to throw a more extended bullpen session here in Atlanta on Wednesday. Hinch said he is expected to throw two innings with a brief stop in between.