The Tigers announced to reporters, including Evan Woodbery of MLive, that Sawyer Gipson-Long, a depth starter, will undergo internal brace surgery on Monday to address his UCL injury, sidelining him for the entirety of the 2024 season. This news follows Gipson-Long seeking evaluations for forearm tightness experienced a couple of weeks prior, while already on the injured list for a groin strain. Despite the procedure offering a shorter recovery timeline compared to Tommy John surgery, it’s probable he’ll start the 2025 season on the IL.
Gipson-Long, a former sixth-round pick of the Twins, was acquired by Detroit in 2022 for reliever Michael Fulmer. He made his MLB debut last September, impressing with a 2.70 ERA and nearly 32% strikeout rate in 20 innings pitched. While he wasn’t expected to secure an Opening Day rotation spot given Detroit’s pitching depth, he likely would have been a rotational option throughout the season. Now, he’ll spend the entire year on the IL, albeit earning at the MLB minimum rate and accruing a full year of service time.
Detroit has flexibility with Gipson-Long, as they can transfer him to the 60-day injured list as needed for roster space. However, they’ll need to make a decision regarding his roster status shortly after the World Series concludes, potentially maintaining control over him for another five seasons if he remains on the roster.
