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

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.

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.