Sawyer Gipson-Long DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Detroit Tigers right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long (elbow, hip) has been throwing bullpen sessions twice a week and will throw another one on Friday as he recovers from a left hip labral repair and right UCL reconstruction. The 27-year-old had Tommy John last April and then hip surgery in July. He's not expected to make his 2025 debut until around midseason. Meanwhile, right-hander Wilmer Flores (shoulder) received a platelet-rich plasma injection in January for right-shoulder soreness. He's completing his rehab daily and is likely to start the year at Triple-A Toledo. Right-handers Alex Lange (lat), Tyler Mattison (elbow) and Ricky Vanasco (hip) all continue to rehab their respective injuries, with Lange and Mattison set to throw bullpens this Saturday. Vanasco is playing catch six times a week as he rehabs from a right hip labral repair.

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.