Tigers Reliever Battles Back After Tommy John Surgery

Tyler Mattison missed the 2024 season but struggled to regain his form in 2025 comeback attempt.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 6:05am

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Tyler Mattison, a 26-year-old right-handed relief pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, missed the entire 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. While he was able to return to the mound in 2025, Mattison found the comeback process challenging as he worked to regain his pre-surgery feel and effectiveness.

Why it matters

Tommy John surgery has become increasingly common in Major League Baseball, with pitchers often needing 12-18 months to recover and rehabilitate. Mattison's experience highlights the mental and physical hurdles players face in trying to return to their previous level of performance after such a significant injury.

The details

Mattison underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024, causing him to miss the entire season. When he returned in 2025, he struggled to regain the form and feel he had prior to the injury, finding the comeback process more difficult than the surgery itself.

  • Mattison underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024, causing him to miss the entire season.
  • Mattison returned to the mound in 2025 to attempt a comeback.

The players

Tyler Mattison

A 26-year-old right-handed relief pitcher for the Detroit Tigers.

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What they’re saying

“It was definitely an interesting experience,”

— Tyler Mattison

The takeaway

Mattison's struggle to regain his form after Tommy John surgery underscores the challenges pitchers face in returning to their previous level of performance following a major injury. His experience highlights the mental and physical hurdles that must be overcome in the rehabilitation process.