Detroit Tigers Set to Use Former First-Round Pick in Spot Start on Thursday

After failing to make the roster out of spring training, Detroit Tigers' pitcher Matt Manning is headed back to the big leagues on Thursday to make a spot start in a doubleheader against the New York Mets.

Per Jason Beck, who covers the team, on social media:

Tigers starters for Thursday's doubleheader at Mets:
Game 1: Casey Mize
Game 2: Matt Manning

Manning will be the 27th player for the doubleheader.

Manning, a former first-round pick (2016) was supposed to be one of the building blocks of the organization, but unfortunately he hasn't been able to stay healthy. Because of the inability of him to stay healthy (as well as Mize), the Tigers went out and signed veterans Kenta Maeda and Jack Flaherty this offseason, which ended up pushing Manning down the depth chart. Furthermore, the development of Tarik Skubal has done the same thing. He's become a darkhorse candidate to win the American League Cy Young in people's minds.

Manning made his Major League debut in 2021 and has gone 11-14 lifetime a 4.37 ERA. He suffered multiple injuries last season and made just 15 starts.

Heading into play on Thursday, the Tigers are unbeaten at 4-0, having swept the Chicago White Sox in the opening series and taking the Monday opener from the Mets.

The Tigers last made the playoffs in 2014 and are seeking their first World Series title since 1984. They finished second in the American League Central a season ago and are primed for a big ascent after those offseason moves.

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