Maeda threw 50 pitches across three innings in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

The outing marked Maeda's second of spring training and it featured both positives and negatives. Positively, he increased his pitch count from 30 to 53, which should allow him plenty of time to ramp up to a full workload before the regular season. On the other hand, Maeda's velocity and spin rates were both down. While it would be reassuring to see him throwing closer to his peak, there's still plenty of time for him to improve his form before meaningful games begin.

Maeda agreed to a two-year, $24 million contract with the Tigers on Sunday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Maeda spent the last four years in Minnesota and will remain in the AL Central on a two-year deal with the Tigers. After posting a career-best 2.70 ERA and 0.75 WHIP in 66.2 innings during his first year with the Twins in the COVID-shortened season, the right-hander regressed over the past two years. He recorded a career-worst 4.66 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 106.1 innings during the 2021 campaign before undergoing Tommy John surgery that forced him to miss the 2022 campaign. He wasn't particularly dominant in his return to the mound last season, logging a 4.23 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 104.1 innings. However, the Tigers will hope that he can bounce back during his age-36 season in his second year removed from his procedure.

Maeda is not scheduled for another start this season, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Maeda last pitched on Sept. 19, when he struck out eight over five scoreless innings in Cincinnati. He projects to be used as a reliever in the postseason, and the Twins look to be shifting him to that role now. Maeda figures to see some bullpen work this weekend in Colorado so he doesn't go into the playoffs following such a long layoff. A scheduled bullpen game Saturday would seem to be a prime opportunity.

Maeda (6-7) earned the win Tuesday, allowing one hit and one walk over five scoreless innings in a 7-0 win over the Reds. He struck out eight.

EDGE Analysis

Maeda was masterful Tuesday, setting down the first 11 batters in order and finishing with his second consecutive eight-strikeout performance. Despite allowing just two baserunners and throwing only 83 pitches, he was removed after five frames, which isn't all that surprising considering he tossed a season-high 105 pitches in his last outing. The veteran righty has earned a win in three straight starts, posting a 2.08 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 18:3 K:BB across 17.1 innings during that stretch. Maeda currently lines up for a favorable matchup with Oakland, which is tentatively scheduled for early next week at home.

Maeda (5-7) earned the win over the White Sox on Thursday, allowing two runs on four hits and one walk while striking out eight batters over seven innings.

EDGE Analysis

Maeda rattled off six scoreless frames before Andrew Vaughn tagged him for a two-run homer in the seventh. The veteran hurler nonetheless finished off that inning and exited with his first quality start since Aug. 10. Maeda was impressive with 14 whiffs and eight strikeouts, with the latter mark tying for his second-highest total of the campaign. Though the right-hander has just five wins over 19 starts on the season, he's now notched consecutive victories for the first time in 2023.

Maeda (4-7) earned the win Saturday, allowing two runs on five hits and one walk over 5.1 innings against the Mets while striking out two.

EDGE Analysis

Maeda got off to a rough start, surrendering a leadoff home run to Brandon Nimmo in the first at-bat of the game followed by an RBI single to Daniel Vogelbach four batters later. The veteran right-hander settled in after that, however, allowing just two more singles over the next four frames to earn his fourth win of the season and first since Aug. 5. Maeda had allowed at least three runs in four consecutive starts coming in, and he's now given up at least one homer in 10 straight outings.

Maeda did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing three runs on nine hits and two walks over five innings against the Rangers. He struck out three.

EDGE Analysis

Maeda was working around trouble throughout his outing, but a three-run homer in the first by Mitch Garver was the only damage to his final line. Sunday marked the fourth consecutive start by Maeda where he failed to go past five innings and he's allowed 15 runs in 18 innings over that time frame. He'll look to rebound in his next start, likely to take place next weekend at home against the Mets.

Maeda allowed six runs on seven hits and a walk over four innings in Monday's win against Cleveland. He struck out three and did not factor in the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Most of the damage against Maeda came during Cleveland's four-run second inning but Minnesota's offense prevented him from taking a loss. He had allowed three or fewer runs in 11 straight outings prior to Monday's hiccup. During that stretch, he posted a 2.91 ERA but he now owns a 4.69 ERA on the year. Maeda is currently lined up to start in Texas this weekend.

Maeda did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks over five innings against the Brewers while striking out six.

EDGE Analysis

Maeda struggled out of the gate, allowing two runs on two hits in the first inning while also hitting Mark Canha with a pitch. The right-hander was much more effective over the next four innings, however, allowing only a solo homer to William Contreras in the third before hurling 1-2-3 innings in both the fourth and fifth frames. Maeda has pitched well in August to the tune of a 3.43 ERA and 23:4 K:BB, and he's now recorded at least six strikeouts in eight of his last nine outings. He has, however, failed to make it through six innings in each of his last two starts after opening the month with back-to-back quality starts.

Maeda did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing three runs on seven hits and one walk over four innings against the Tigers. He struck out six.

EDGE Analysis

Maeda struck out four batters over the first two innings and appeared to be on track for his third quality start in a row. However, the right-hander ran into trouble in the top of the third after allowing a leadoff single to Akil Baddoo, which would be followed by home runs from Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson in two of the next three at-bats. Maeda had gone at least five innings in each of his previous five starts coming in, and the seven hits allowed Wednesday were the most he's given up since April 26. Despite the poor outing, he still holds a 2.81 ERA to go along with a healthy 17:2 K:BB through three starts this month.