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

Detroit Tigers right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long (elbow) started his minor-league rehab assignment with Low-A Lakeland on Thursday and threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings his first time out with three hits allowed, no walks and two strikeouts. Gipson-Long was finally cleared to start pitching in real games again after facing live hitters in late April. The 27-year-old is recovering from right UCL reconstruction (Tommy John surgery) last April and also a left-hip labral repair in early July of 2024, so he still has a ways to go before he'll be an option for the Tigers in the big leagues. Gipson-Long made it to the big leagues in 2023 and looked strong, allowing seven runs (six earned) while walking eight and fanning 26 in four starts (20 innings). It's more than anyone expected for a pitcher that wasn't high on prospect lists entering that season. Gipson-Long could rejoin the minors around the All-Star break when he's cleared.

Detroit Tigers right-handers Sawyer Gipson-Long (hip, elbow) and Ty Madden (shoulder) are both scheduled to throw bullpen sessions on Wednesday, according to MLive's Evan Woodbery. Gipson-Long is recovering from a left-hip labral repair and right-UCL reconstruction, while Madden is on the injured list due to a right-shoulder strain. Gipson-Long is currently on the 60-day injured list and isn't expected to be an option for the Tigers at the major-league level until around the All-Star break. Madden, who is also on the 60-day IL, is recovering after straining his right rotator cuff in spring training but will not be eligible to make his 2025 season debut until late May. The Tigers might build Madden up as a starter as he continues along in his rehab and eventually goes on a minor-league rehab assignment, but there's no guarantee he'll have a rotation spot waiting for him when he's fully healthy.

Detroit Tigers right-handers Sawyer Gipson-Long (hip, elbow) and Ty Madden (shoulder) are both scheduled to throw bullpen sessions on Saturday. Gipson-Long is recovering from a left-hip labral repair and right-UCL reconstruction, while Madden is rehabbing from a right-shoulder strain. Meanwhile, right-hander Jose Urquidy (elbow) is playing catch out to 105 feet three times a week as he recovers from right-UCL reconstruction. Gipson-Long is on the 60-day injured list after having Tommy John surgery last April and hip surgery last July. Barring a setback, the 27-year-old won't be an option for the Tigers until around the All-Star break in mid-July. Madden, 25, suffered a right rotator-cuff strain in spring training and won't be able to return until at least the end of May while on the 60-day IL.