LAKELAND, FL –Detroit Tigersright-handed pitcher Jackson Jobe offered an encouraging update on his rehab from Tommy John surgery.
Jobe is going through a long-toss rehab program, progressively throwing longer distances – he is up to 105 feet, three times a week. And he said could start throwing bullpens off a mound in about six weeks.
"I think it's like, starting in mid-April, is when I'll be on the mound," Jobe told reporters on Saturday, Feb. 28.
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After he completes the long-toss program, he will start throwing bullpens.
"Then it'll be a few lives and rehab outings," Jobe said. "I think it'll just depend on how sharp I'm feeling, how quickly I can get my feel back. But as it stands right now, I feel pretty normal, which is kind of weird, but guess I'll take it."
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When a reporter asked if Jobe could be pitching for the Tigers sooner than September, Jobe said: "What we have drawn up is quicker than that, for sure."
But he offered no date.
"I obviously want to be smart about it," he said. "I guess I probably shouldn't say when we have in mind, just in case it doesn't happen. But I'm feeling pretty optimistic that I will be throwing some important innings this year."
Jobelast pitched for the Tigers on May 28; heunderwent surgery June 16to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.
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The Tigers have been vague about when he might return, which is not surprising considering every rehab is different.
"We expect him to be back in 2026," president of baseball operationsScott Harrissaid Monday, Dec. 8, at the Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida. "It's hard to forecast the actual date, but we expect it to be a boost for our roster in the second half."
"Knock on wood – everything's been going as well as it could," Jobe said Saturday. "I'm just trying to keep it that way and not change a thing. The program that we have has been great."
Jobe – the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft – has a locker in the Tigers clubhouse in TigerTown. He has been encouraged by other pitchers who have been through Tommy John – and had success after the surgery. He also has been getting tips and advice from Justin Verlander, who is teaching him how to work hard, but also how to rest and recover.
Still, Jobe is bothered about missing the start of the season.
"It sucks that I'm not going to be there for the beginning," Jobe said. "Honestly, it really does suck, but I think we'll be doing something special towards the end of the year that I can hopefully be a part of and really add to."
Jobe said that he has not suffered any setbacks in his recovery.
"We're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel now," Jobe said.
"Seems like you are almost out of the tunnel," a reporter said.
"Fingers crossed," Jobe said, smiling.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press:Jackson Jobe injury report, Tigers top prospect back before September?