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LAKELAND, FL – The Detroit Tigers aren't expecting right-hander Troy Melton on the 2026 Opening Day roster.
It's not because of performance.
It's due to injury.
The 25-year-old has been shut down from throwing for one to two weeks with right elbow inflammation, which means he isn't expected to be ready for Opening Day on March 26 against the San Diego Padres.
"It's unlikely that he's going to be ready for the beginning of the season," manager A.J. Hinch said Friday, Feb. 27, before a spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies, "but we'll know more as we ramp him back up what that exactly means."
Melton visited a doctor for general arm soreness.
He was diagnosed with inflammation in his right elbow.
"The doctor suggested one to two weeks of no throw," Hinch said, "while he can still do other things – lifting, running, [pitcher fielding practice]. We'll limit the throw while things calm down."
Melton completed a bullpen Feb. 12, then threw live batting practice Feb. 15, followed by another bullpen Feb. 17 and another live batting practice Feb. 20, but he hasn't pitched since then.
"Time of year, certainly going to be super cautious with his throwing program," Hinch said.
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In 2025, Melton registered a 2.76 ERA with 15 walks and 36 strikeouts across 45⅔ innings in 16 games (four starts). He also had a 3.23 ERA over 39 innings in 10 starts for Double-A Erie and a 2.72 ERA over 36⅓ innings in eight games (six starts) for Triple-A Toledo.
He made his MLB debut in July 2025.
This story will be updated.
Contact Evan Petzold at [email protected] or follow him @EvanPetzold.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Troy Melton injury update: Tigers starter unlikely for Opening Day