Tigers' Troy Melton Sidelined with Arm Soreness

The 25-year-old right-hander is being held out of spring training games as a precaution.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 3:34pm

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Detroit Tigers pitcher Troy Melton is unavailable to pitch in spring training games due to general arm soreness, according to manager A.J. Hinch. The team is taking a conservative approach and will not have Melton pitch through the soreness. Melton had a strong 2025 season, posting a 2.76 ERA in 45.2 innings across 16 games (4 starts) and emerging as an X-factor in the playoffs.

Why it matters

Melton's performance was a bright spot for the Tigers in 2025, and his continued development is crucial for the team's pitching staff. Any extended absence due to injury could impact the Tigers' plans for the upcoming season.

The details

Melton, a 25-year-old right-hander, is dealing with general arm soreness that has kept him from participating in spring training games so far. Manager A.J. Hinch said the team is "playing it pretty conservative" and will not have Melton pitch through the soreness. The Tigers will have Melton evaluated further to determine the extent of the issue and when he might be able to return to the mound.

  • Melton's arm soreness was reported on February 25, 2026, before a spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays.

The players

Troy Melton

A 25-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who had a strong 2025 season, posting a 2.76 ERA in 45.2 innings across 16 games (4 starts) and emerging as an X-factor in the playoffs.

A.J. Hinch

The manager of the Detroit Tigers, who stated the team is taking a conservative approach with Melton's arm soreness and will not have him pitch through the issue.

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What they’re saying

“We're playing it pretty conservative. We're not going to have him pitch through any kind of soreness.”

— A.J. Hinch, Manager, Detroit Tigers

What’s next

The Tigers will have Melton evaluated further to determine the extent of the arm soreness and provide an update on when he might be able to return to spring training games.

The takeaway

Melton's arm soreness is a concern for the Tigers, as he was a key contributor to the team's pitching staff in 2025. The team is taking a cautious approach to ensure he is fully healthy before returning to game action, which is crucial for his long-term development and the team's success.