Matt Manning
SP PHI
Tue 4/19/22 6:00 PM

Manager AJ Hinch acknowledged that Manning (shoulder) is unlikely to make his next turn through the rotation Saturday against the Rockies in Detroit, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. "The initial diagnosis [of right shoulder discomfort] has been positive, that it's not anything that's going to linger and last a really long time," Hinch said of Manning. "I think the big question is whether he's going to be available for his start on Saturday. Right now, we'll probably err on the side of caution."
EDGE Analysis
Detroit may wait another day or two to see if Manning is able to complete his usual between-starts bullpen session, but all signs appear to be pointing to the 24-year-old heading to the injured list for a brief spell. The Tigers will get some reinforcement to a depleted rotation with Michael Pineda expected to be called up from the minors to make his season debut Thursday against the Yankees, but Detroit still has Casey Mize (elbow) on the 10-day IL. If Manning can't go Saturday, long reliever Drew Hutchison -- who tossed three scoreless innings out of the bullpen last Saturday against the Royals -- could be called upon to make a spot start.

Matt Manning
SP PHI
Tue 4/19/22 12:04 PM

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Tuesday that Manning isn't dealing with any structural damage to his right shoulder, but the 24-year-old's status for his next start remains up in the air, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. "The initial diagnosis with him is positive, as positive as it could be," Hinch said of Manning. "Structurally we think [his shoulder is] just fine. There is some inflammation. There is some tendinitis, some soreness."
EDGE Analysis
After giving up one run on one hit while covering six frames in his season debut April 11 against the Red Sox, Manning lasted only two innings in his second outing Saturday in Kansas City before exiting with the shoulder issue. While Hinch and the Tigers brass appear confident that Manning isn't dealing with a major injury, it wouldn't be surprising if the organization proceeded cautiously with one of its prized young pitchers and held him out for a start or two. The Tigers will likely wait and see how Manning fares in his next bullpen session before determining whether to allow him to make his next start Saturday against the Rockies in Detroit.

Matt Manning
SP PHI
Sat 4/16/22 7:43 PM

Manning (shoulder) was removed from Saturday's game against the Royals as a precaution, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Manager A.J. Hinch told reporters that Manning "didn't look quite right" prior to being lifted from Saturday's start. Manning clarified by saying that he's not concerned about the injury and plans to make his next start, which tentatively lines up to come Friday at home against the Rockies. While it appears that Manning avoided the worst-case outcome, no official diagnosis has been announced.

Matt Manning
SP PHI
Sat 4/16/22 5:32 PM

Manning was removed from Saturday's game against the Royals in the top of the third inning due to right shoulder discomfort, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Manning deflected a bouncer up the middle to end the second inning Saturday, although it's not yet clear whether that caused his injury. Prior to his departure, he allowed a run on five hits and no walks while striking out two in two innings. The severity of his injury isn't yet known, but if he's cleared to make his next turn through the rotation, he tentatively lines up to start at home against the Rockies on Friday.

Matt Manning
SP PHI
Mon 4/11/22 9:17 PM

Manning pitched six innings of one-run ball but did not factor into the decision in Monday's win over the Red Sox. He allowed just one hit and no walks, while striking out two.
EDGE Analysis
Manning was dialed in Monday, with his only mistake a J.D. Martinez solo home run in the fifth inning. The righty only logged 68 pitches, so he likely could have gone further, but it was also his first outing of the regular season so the Tigers didn't push him too far. Manning struggled last year with a 5.80 ERA and 1.51 WHIP across 18 starts, so it's encouraging to see a much better 2022 debut. The 24-year-old is slated to pitch again Saturday against the Royals.

Matt Manning
SP PHI
Sun 3/27/22 1:02 PM

Manning allowed four runs (one earned) on five hits across three innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies. He didn't issue a walk and struck out three.
EDGE Analysis
It wasn't a great outing for Manning, as the righty allowed two home runs in his three innings of work, though a few Detroit errors made a lot of the damage unearned. Manning was better in his spring debut Monday, when he allowed just one hit across two scoreless innings. He should have a spot toward the back of the Tigers' rotation when the regular season begins.

Matt Manning
SP PHI
Mon 3/21/22 8:17 PM

Manning tossed two scoreless innings in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays. He allowed one hit and struck out two.
EDGE Analysis
Manning should have a rotation spot locked up to begin the season, but the recent addition of Michael Pineda likely bumps the former to the No. 5 position. That means Manning could get skipped when the team has more off days, and he could always lose the spot if he doesn't pitch well. Tyler Alexander would seem to be the top candidate to supplant Manning at some point in the season. A strong spring could help Manning earn a little job security, though.

Matt Manning
SP PHI
Thu 3/17/22 8:46 PM

Manning will start the team's fourth Grapefruit League game Monday against the Blue Jays, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Manning will follow Eduardo Rodriguez, Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal in the spring rotation, with Tyler Alexander slotting in fifth. This is what the rotation is expected to look like to begin the regular season as well. Manning struggled some during his MLB debut in 2021, posting a 5.80 ERA and 1.51 WHIP across 18 starts to go with a 57:33 K:BB. A good performance Monday would be a nice sign, but the 24-year-old will need to string together a few solid starts to really get the attention of fantasy managers.

Matt Manning
SP PHI
Tue 3/15/22 8:32 PM

Manning looks to be the Tigers' No. 4 starter to begin the season, though the team is still looking to bolster its rotation before Opening Day, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
If the Tigers do add a starter before the season, it seems like Tyler Alexander would get bumped from the rotation before Manning. The latter isn't guaranteed to keep his spot all year, however, after struggling as a rookie in 2021. Manning recorded a 5.80 ERA and 1.51 WHIP across 18 starts to go with a 57:33 K:BB. A strong start to the 2022 campaign for the 24-year-old would certainly help his cause.

Matt Manning
SP PHI
Sun 10/3/21 3:35 AM

Manning pitched five scoreless innings against the White Sox on Saturday, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out seven. He did not factor in the decision.
EDGE Analysis
Manning's final start of his rookie campaign was arguably his finest, as the right-hander yielded a season-low two hits while tossing his first scoreless outing. He also notched a season-high seven strikeouts, but a late-game collapse by Detroit's bullpen cost him a victory. Manning enjoyed some bright moments throughout the season, though he wraps up the campaign with a 5.80 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 4-7 record. He should be a key part of the Tigers' rotation in 2022.