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From the start of Detroit Tigers described Dillon Dingler as close to returning to full action after an arthroscopic procedure to clean up his right elbow. Still, the status of their starting catcher remaining uncertain was a little bit disconcerting, though Dingler was notably present catching bullpens on the backfields over the past two weeks. As it turned out, the Tigers estimates on his return were accurate, as the 27-year-old catcher made his first start of the spring in Friday’s drubbing of the Philadelphia Phillies.
Dingler’s arm wasn’t really tested, but since he’s back on the field healthy after a throwing program to build his arm strength up, we’ll assume that isn’t an issue. More to the point was getting him going in time to get enough plate appearances to be ready for Opening Day. That got off to a good start as Dingler struck out in his first at-bat but then smoked a double to plate Spencer Torkelson with the Tigers first run of the game. After that they were off to the races, winning 16-8.
That was the positive injury news on Friday. The unfortunate news was that right-hander Troy Melton has been shut down with inflammation in his right elbow, making his eventual status for Opening Day pretty questionable. Melton hadn’t appeared in a game yet, but neither have Framber Valdez or Justin Verlander as of yet. The latter two have no reported issues and have the experience not to be any rush in February. Presumably we’ll see them take the mound this weekend or next week at the latest.
Troy Melton gets shutdown
While Troy Melton was currently on the outside of the starting rotation looking in, he was a big factor in picking up a crumbling pitching staff last summer, and went on to pitch well in his first postseason. As starting depth, and probably headed to the bullpen to begin the year, Melton is still a weapon for the club in either role, with the added benefit of having some comfort factor doing either job. This isn’t really much of a setback for the team yet, unless they really need rotation help a month from now as the season begins.
It’s easy to leap to worst case scenario conclusions, but inflammation in the elbow is pretty common, particularly as pitchers are ramping up to a full workload early in camp. The inflammation itself should resolve fairly soon. The issue of course is that inflammation in the tight, narrow passage through the joint where the humerus and ulna bones connect, makes it very difficult to get clear imaging of structures inside and around the elbow. So, for now there’s nothing to do but let it subside until they can properly examine him via MRI.
The irritation and inflammation could be minor and fairly routine, allowing him to start throwing again, or it could be caused by bone chips, spurs, or a rough spot in the passage through the joint that the UCL stretches against. Those would require comparetively minor procedures that might only set Melton back a month or so, depending on when they get an answer. It could also be a tear in the UCL, or even a tendon issue, that would potentially cost him the season.
Right now, Melton has a case of Schrodinger’s elbow. When the inflammation subsides and they can get the imaging done properly, the Tigers might have a relatively healthy pitcher who doesn’t even need a procedure, or they might have a Tommy John case. We’ll just have to wait and see.
First cuts from spring camp
The Tigers also announced their first round of cuts from spring camp. All four are pitchers rehabbing from minor injuries, so it’s no surprise they were transferred to minor league camp. Relievers Phil Bickford, Dugan Darnell, and Tyler Owens, along with veteran minor league starter Troy Watson, were all reassigned. Watson is returning from right elbow arthroscopy, while Bickford is rehabbing a right triceps strain. Darnell and Owens are both rehabbing after hip procedures.
None of the group was ever likely to break camp with the major league club.