Jack Flaherty injury update: When could Tigers RHP return from IL?

CHICAGO – Detroit Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty just didn’t feel right while pitching against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Monday, July 20. “Didn't feel normal there, like in the fourth inning,” Flaherty said. “Ball wasn't coming out the same.” He was taken out after four innings after giving up four runs off five hits and striking out six. After going through tests, Flaherty was put on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday with right flexor tendon inflammation. But he does not feel it will be a long-term issue. His stay on the IL is expected to be close to the minimum. “I feel good about it,” Flaherty said Wednesday. “I think we'll probably catch tomorrow and go from there and be in a pretty good spot.” The Tigers waited until the last second to make the move – it wasn't a clear-cut decision – because Flaherty has pitched through issues before. “I’ve pushed through a lot of things,” Flaherty said. Things that the media or fans don’t know about? “Things that are hurting or whatnot,” he said. “But that's part of the game.” It’s not unusual for players to deal with all kinds of issues during a season. “It's part of the way the game goes, and what you got to do, and just keep going out there and battling,” he said. “But this was a situation where it was just, like, it just really doesn't feel right. Kind of more precautionary on my end.” But he was frustrated not to be able to help his team. “I've pitched on one leg before and given everything I have,” Flaherty said. “It sucks to ever go on the IL and know that you can't do anything and you can't really do anything to help the team out in any way, other than be there for these guys and help them out.” He does not feel it will require much rehab. “I don't think anything too drastic,” he said. “Just trying to get that inflammation down, and then kind of keep throwing light and just kind of get back to work.” Flaherty is not concerned about the trade deadline. He’s been through this before, most recently in 2024, when he was dealt by the Tigers to the eventual World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. “We've been through a handful of these before, whether being on the block myself or every year, you see guys get moved and whatnot,” he said. “You can't play GM. You can't really control those things… you just you try to focus on what you can do, and just play the games. So for me, that's getting back and find a way to help this team.”