Melton (back tightness) scratched from start vs. Astros

HOUSTON -- The Tigers experienced on Monday what they hope is just a hiccup in their quest for a fully healthy rotation.

Troy Melton, whose 2026 debut didn’t come until May 24 because of a 60-day IL stint with right elbow inflammation, was scratched from Monday’s scheduled start against the Astros with what Detroit manager A.J. Hinch called “general back tightness.” Hinch pivoted to a full bullpen game, with Drew Anderson getting the nod as the opener.

Calling the development “out of the blue,” Hinch said Melton, who had won three of his first four starts this season, reported “something we needed to get checked out. I don’t know the severity of it. I don’t know if there’s a move coming. We just need to get him checked out and make sure everything’s OK moving forward."

After six pitchers contributed to Detroit’s 9-3 victory over the Astros, Melton spoke in the Tigers’ clubhouse. Oblivious to the reason, he said his back just didn’t feel normal as Monday’s game drew nearer.

“I didn’t get to the point where it felt good to go,” said Melton, who added he hopes not to miss another start. “We’ll see how it goes the next few days and hopefully get back on schedule.”

Maintaining a healthy rotation, even briefly, has been an elusive thing for the Tigers in 2026.

“We talked about having a full rotation back intact," Hinch said, "and then a couple things have happened.”

The Tigers just got Tarik Skubal back on Saturday, when the ace left-hander returned after missing 38 days to have a loose body removed from his left elbow, but they put right-hander Jack Flaherty (peroneal strain in left leg) on the 15-day IL that same day. After Framber Valdez makes Tuesday’s start in his return to Houston, Casey Mize, who has had a couple IL stints with groin issues, is scheduled to return Wednesday.

As for Detroit’s sidelined elder statesman, 43-year-old right-hander Justin Verlander threw a simulated game at Daikin Park on Monday. The 266-game winner was limited to one Major League start this season before being sidelined with left hip inflammation.

Verlander, coming off two rehab starts for Triple-A Toledo, faced Hao-Yu Lee, Jake Rogers and Wenceel Pérez in Monday’s sim game.

“He threw four innings, just under 70 pitches. Was working on a couple different slider grips,” Hinch said. “We accomplished what we needed to get him his throwing in today. From a symptom standpoint, I think he’s feeling better and better. That’s a good sign. Consistency in his delivery is something he’s working through.”

Hinch said the Tigers should have something more on Verlander’s timetable by the end of the Astros series.