Tigers' Casey Mize Shares Message After Exciting Career News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 6:11 PM ET

Right-handed starting pitcher Casey Mize is in his fifth season with the Detroit Tigers, after being selected first overall in the 2018 MLB Draft. Mize made his big-league debut in 2020, but his first full season came in 2021. That year, he firmly established himself as a reliable arm, logging 30 starts with a 3.71 ERA.

Early in 2022, after just two outings, Mize suffered a right elbow sprain. Imaging revealed a torn UCL, and he underwent Tommy John surgery, effectively ending his 2022 season. When he finally returned in 2024, he wasn’t the same pitcher. Mize lost his spot in the rotation and, after a handful of poor relief appearances, was left off Detroit’s playoff roster.

In 2025, fully healthy and refined, Mize has blossomed into the frontline starter many envisioned when the Tigers drafted him.

Mize’s resurgence earned him an All-Star selection on Friday morning, as he replaces Garrett Crochet of the Boston Red Sox, becoming Detroit’s sixth representative at event this year.

Before Friday’s series opener against the Seattle Mariners, Mize reflected on his journey: “I’m pretty proud, obviously—just super grateful. It’s been a long journey, and there’s a long way to go. But this is pretty validating of some hard work and tough times turning into success.”

"This is pretty validating. Some hard work & tough times turning into success."#Tigers pitcher Casey Mize was going to go to Florida for the MLB All-Star break, but he'll join his five other teammates in Atlanta.

More from Mize on his first ASG selection.

@Local4News pic.twitter.com/YsgArFdWz6
— Hobie Artigue (@HeyItsMeHobie) July 11, 2025

Through 15 starts in 2025, Mize has a 9–2 record with a 2.63 ERA and 73 strikeouts.

His performance has been pivotal for a Tigers club sitting atop baseball with a 59–35 record. Detroit is on pace for back-to-back postseason trips for the first time in a decade, and Mize looks every bit the ace he was always meant to be.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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