May 13: Manager Ron Gardenhire told reporters today that Ross isn’t feeling any better and could schedule an examination with the same surgeon who performed his initial thoracic outlet surgery (Twitter link via MLive.com’s Evan Woodbery).
May 12: The Tigers have placed right-handed starter Tyson Ross on the 10-day injured list, reports Chris McCosky of the Detroit News. It’s a nerve issue in his right elbow that will keep him out of action for the foreseeable future.
Certainly, this development is most unwelcome for a Detroit ballclub that has already endured several injuries to starting pitchers. Michael Fulmer and Matt Moore are both sidelined for the remainder of the season, and Jordan Zimmermann recently joined them on the injured list. With Ross joining them, the Tigers will be pressed to find solutions from within the organization.
Of course, those losses have been mitigated by the performances of Matthew Boyd and Spencer Turnbull, each of whom has dazzled with dynamic strikeout stuff, emerging as the most productive Tigers starters. Daniel Norris has joined the rotation in the wake of the slew of injuries, though there appears to be a dearth of options behind the existing slate of starters.
Ross has endured a season of inconsistencies thus far in 2019, posting a lackluster 6.11 ERA in his first 7 starts. His 1.39 K:BB ratio has been unimpressive, as walks have once again inhibited Ross’s success. It’s an unfortunate break for Ross, who struggled through a frustrating start in Saturday’s matchup with the Twins, allowing six runs in five-plus innings. It’s unclear just how serious the nerve issue is, or how long it will keep Ross on the shelf, but the outlook is certainly not a rosy one for the Tigers.