"Promoted shortly after the All-Star Break, he logged 45 2/3 innings. He started four of his 16 appearances and pitched to a 2.76 earned run average. Melton fanned 20% of batters faced against a league average 8.3% walk rate. He performed well enough to earn a spot on Detroit's playoff roster, though he surrendered five runs across 8 1/3 frames."
"Although Melton worked mostly out of the bullpen in his first season, he projects as a long-term starter. Melton posted a sub-3.00 ERA across 18 appearances (16 starts) in Triple-A before his promotion. He may have been in the mix for a rotation spot this spring if not for the late free agent signings of Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander."
"There's no indication he's facing a long-term absence. The team will be cautious with any elbow concern for one of their more talented young pitchers, of course, but it doesn't seem out of the question he could be back after a fairly minimal injured list stay to begin the year."
Troy Melton, a second-year pitcher for the Tigers, has paused his throwing program due to elbow inflammation. Manager A.J. Hinch indicated the right-hander will likely miss Opening Day. As a rookie, Melton impressed with a 2.76 ERA across 45 2/3 innings after his mid-season promotion, striking out 20% of batters faced. He earned a playoff roster spot and projects as a long-term starter after posting a sub-3.00 ERA in Triple-A. With recent signings of Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander, Melton was competing for a rotation spot or multi-inning relief role. The team expects cautious management of the elbow issue, with potential for a minimal injured list stint.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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