Hurter nearing potential return after scoreless rehab outing with Triple-A Toledo

The Tigers could be getting a much-welcomed bullpen boost soon with the return of Brant Hurter, who tossed a scoreless inning of relief in his latest rehab appearance for Triple-A Toledo on Wednesday.

Hurter, out since May 24 with lumbar spine inflammation, was scheduled to pitch for the Mud Hens on Tuesday but had to wait a day when that game was suspended by rain. Hurter took the mound when the game resumed in the bottom of the second inning and retired the Bats in order on a groundout, popout and flyout. He needed just eight pitches, five for strikes. However, his average velocity was down across the board, including a fastball that averaged just 89.7 miles per hour.

It marked Hurter’s first scoreless outing in three rehab appearances between Toledo and Single-A Lakeland. He has allowed five runs, four earned, on three hits over 2 1/3 innings with two walks and two strikeouts.

The Tigers have weathered Hurter’s absence thanks in no small part to fellow lefty Drew Sommers, who has emerged as a solid secondary southpaw option in the bullpen behind workhorse Tyler Holton. Hurter has been working in shorter stints on his rehab assignment, but could still add another lefty amidst a stretch where the Tigers are facing Guardians and White Sox lineups with formidable lefty bats.