Drew Anderson Gets Wednesday Start Against the Guardians

Drew Anderson is getting the ball for the Tigers on Wednesday against the Guardians, a move that sends him from long relief into a starting role. It will be his first major-league start since Aug. 7, 2021, and Detroit plans to keep his workload limited.

Anderson’s workload shift

Anderson has spent this season in long relief, where he has posted a 4.67 ERA with 31 strikeouts and 12 walks across 27 innings. He went four innings and threw 46 pitches in his last outing, which gives Detroit a recent baseline for how much he may handle in this start.

Detroit’s fifth-starter picture

The assignment comes as the Tigers evaluate their fifth-starter situation. Troy Melton could be ready to return from the 60-day injured list the next time Detroit needs another starter, which keeps this role from becoming more than a short-term turn for Anderson.

For Anderson, the start is a clear test of whether his recent relief work can stretch into a bigger job without overextending him. For Detroit, it keeps the rotation flexible while leaving the door open for Melton to come back into the mix when the club needs a fifth starter again.