Jackson Jobe to undergo Tommy John surgery. What’s next?

In what is now Jackson Jobe’s final start of the year, there were a few things that did not seem right. A loss of velocity, arm fatigue, but the news today wasn’t what Tigers fans were expecting. Per Evan Petzold of Freep.com, Jackson Jobe will miss the rest of the 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery.

At first, it was labeled a Grade 1 flexor strain in late May, which was later determined to require Tommy John surgery. He made the Opening Day rotation out of spring training and posted a 4–1 record with a 4.22 ERA over 10 starts.

Already under strain

The rotation has been under heavy strain already with Reese Olson on the IL with ring finger inflammation. Sawyer Gipson-Long is just returning after being out for 18 months, but the rotation depth took a blow.

Toledo is the buffer between potential and desperation. That buffer is almost gone.

• • Wilkel Hernandez has filled in admirably, but lacks strikeout stuff and projects as a back-end depth piece.

  • Troy Melton is the most intriguing arm left in the Mud Hens rotation, showing flashes of plus stuff, but he’s still early in his Triple-A development. The staff is high on him.

  • Dietrich Enns, who I highlighted back in May could serve as a short-term option, but isn’t stretched out as a starter.

  • Bailey Horn is working his way back up but what is his long-term role?

Nick Margervicius, who was recently signed, may not have enough swing and miss stuff to be effective at the next level.

Erie is still developing.

The SeaWolves rotation has been hit with the same injury bug.

• Jake Miller and Joseph Montalvo are both on the IL, removing two possible spot-start options.

• Garrett Burhenn and Jaden Hamm remain the next-in-line prospects, but neither is rotation-ready for Triple-A, let alone Detroit.

  • Burhenn has been steady, with solid command and a sub-3 ERA.

  • Hamm shows impressive strikeout stuff, but is still fine-tuning command and pitch efficiency.

• Carlos Peña has been solid, but he may not have enough velocity for the next level.

Erie is no longer a call-up source, it’s just trying to field a healthy rotation.

Outlook: Internal Band-Aids or Outside Help?

With Jobe, Olson, Madden, Montalvo, and Miller all sidelined, the Tigers’ internal depth will be tested but not overwhelmed. Strategic additions could still help stabilize Toledo and provide breathing room for Erie’s developing arms.

Possible solutions:

• Veteran minor-league signings

• Waiver wire pickups

• Trades for depth starters (Scott Harris mentioned on 97.1 the Ticket on Tuesday they will be looking to add at the trade deadline based on need)

• Independent league arms

This isn’t about scrambling, it’s about managing resources wisely. The Tigers have the depth, but avoiding overexposure for arms like Melton or Hamm will require strategic innings management and disciplined promotion decisions.

The sky isn’t falling, but injuries continue to pile up.

The Tigers entered 2025 with one of baseball’s most promising pitching pipelines, and that depth is now being put to the test. Despite the injuries, the system remains well-equipped to handle the challenge, with a mix of upper-level experience and rising talent.

Toledo is leaning heavily on arms like Melton and Hernandez, while Erie continues to shape the next wave of arms in Hamm and Burhenn. The Tigers still have the organizational depth to manage Jobe’s absence, but it will require careful planning. Reinforcing both levels could prevent overuse and keep the development of key arms on track without forcing premature promotions.

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