Sawyer Gipson-Long's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

According to the Detroit Tigers, starting pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long (elbow) is playing catch from 120 feet three times a week. Gipson-Long is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery he underwent in April and also a hip operation he underwent in July and was unable to pitch at all last summer. In 2023, the Mercer product made his major league debut and performed quite well as he posted a 2.70 ERA and 1.10 WHIP across 20 innings (four starts.) During this small stint, he struck out 26 batters and served up eight walks. Across 34 2/3 career innings at the Triple-A level, Gipson-Long has posted a 5.45 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP. Fantasy managers in deeper AL-only formats should continue to monitor his status throughout the first half of the season, as he may find himself back in rotation once he returns to the mound.

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long (elbow) is set to begin a throwing program next week, according to the Tigers' medical report. Gipson-Long underwent Tommy John surgery in April after injuring his arm during a rehab start. The 26-year-old was rehabbing from a groin strain when his arm issue arose, certainly a big setback for a pitcher who would have competed for a starting job in the Tigers' rotation in 2024. Gipson-Long was impressive in his four-game stint in 2023, posting a 2.70 ERA in four starts. With his throwing program starting up in October, he'll have plenty of time to properly rehab and be ready to impress in 2025. Those in dynasty leagues should keep an eye on the right-hander, as his 31.7% strikeout rate can provide a lot of value from a fantasy perspective.

Detroit Tigers right-handed pitching prospect Sawyer Gipson-Long (forearm) is getting further evaluation for forearm tightness, which usually doesn't bode well. The 26-year-old is also battling a left-groin strain, so he's not going to return to minor-league action for a while. The Tigers' No. 10 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, left a rehab start with Single-A Lakeland when he experienced right-forearm tightness. Gipson-Long made four starts for the Tigers in his major-league debut in 2023 and impressed by going 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA and 1.10 WHIP with eight walks and 26 strikeouts in 20 innings pitched. With Detroit having more rotation depth this year, there's no way they are going to rush Gipson-Long back to the big leagues if his forearm injury doesn't require surgery.