Troy Melton Shut Down With Elbow Inflammation, Unlikely for Tigers’ Opening Day

Overview

• Manager A.J. Hinch said doctors recommended one to two weeks without throwing and called Melton unlikely to be ready for the season opener.
• The right-hander has halted his throwing program and has yet to pitch in a Grapefruit League game this spring.
• Team announcements and reporting indicate no sign of a long-term issue, with a short injured list stint to open the year considered possible.
• Late signings of Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander solidified the rotation, shifting Melton’s most likely early role to multi-inning relief.
• Detroit has internal options to cover those innings, including Keider Montero, Brant Hurter, Brenan Hanifee, Drew Anderson and Bryan Sammons.