Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

What to Expect from Tigers Pitcher Troy Melton

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 10:00 AM ET

After a dominant run in Double-A and Triple-A this season, Tigers pitching prospect Troy Melton will get the call to the Majors. Melton will take the ball this week against the Pirates, and he’ll take his fastball/slider/cutter/curve combo to the Motor City.

A Look at Melton

The Tigers drafted Troy Melton out of San Diego State in the fourth round three years ago. He didn’t pitch much during his first two seasons with the Aztecs and despite 83 strikeouts in the 2021 campaign, did not get drafted as a junior. Melton had his command problems, highlighted by 12 home runs allowed and 30 walks.

Detroit took a shot on him one year later in 2022, and it’s worked out well thus far.

Melton pitched well in limited innings both in 2022 and 2023, before exploding last season. The right-hander struck out 119 over 100.2 IP last season in Double-A. This year, Melton struck out 101 over a combined 75.1 IP, between Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo. Fifty-six of those strikeouts came with the Mud Hens.

Troy Melton 2025 AAA Whiff — Lots of fastballs, and lots of sliders. Via New Baseball Media

In Triple-A, Melton — as the above image suggests — had significant success working with his slider, a mid-to-high-80s pitch with above-average vertical depth. During what was a short sample size, that pitch had a 48.7% Whiff%.

Visually, it’s a nasty offering, one that he showed the ability to effectively put on the backfoot and stymie left-handed hitters.

Melton’s fastball doesn’t have high IVB (14.8”). However, the right-hander consistently lived up in the upper-90s, touching 100 MPH. That velocity played up well up in the zone.

Troy Melton 2025 Pitch Movement AAA Via New Baseball Media

Aside from those pitches, Melton regularly used a cutter and curveball, along with a high-80s changeup with separation.

The Tigers pitching prospect doesn’t have a ton of arm action. But one thing to keep in mind is that aforementioned command. Melton surrendered 19 home runs during the 2023 campaign. And, his career GO/AO of .85 gives a good indication Melton — who loves the fastball and slider — is more a fly-ball pitcher.

Per MLB.com, Troy Melton will make his Tigers’ debut on July 23.

Analysis

Amidst a stretch where the Tigers will play 13 games in 13 days, Melton will give the team a chance to even things with their rotation, and give the 24-year-old a shot to get through a rough path in their schedule.

For Melton, he proved he could miss bats in the Minors, including at the Triple-A level. And, the opportunity also gives him a chance to become a depth option down the road should an injury arise at the Major League level.

As of July 21, the Tigers have had six pitchers — Tarik Skubal, Casey Mize, Jack Flaherty, Keider Montero, Jackson Jobe, and Reese Olson — make at least eight starts. Jobe, though, is done for the 2025 season.

This article first appeared on New Baseball Media and was syndicated with permission.

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