Tigers Pitcher Troy Melton Makes MLB Debut Amid Team Struggles

DETROIT, Mich. — The Detroit Tigers faced a tough week in baseball, but one of their young players made a significant mark last week. Starting pitcher Troy Melton debuted in the Major Leagues on July 23 against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.

Melton, the No. 6 prospect in the Tigers organization, had a challenging start, giving up six runs in the first three innings. Andrew McCutchen hit a home run off Melton in the first inning, and Spencer Horwitz followed with a grand slam in the second. The third inning saw Oneil Cruz bring home the sixth run for the Pirates with a sacrifice fly.

Despite the rough beginning, Melton rebounded well, showing resilience by holding the Pirates scoreless in his final two innings. He limited them to just three singles, recording a total of five innings pitched, seven strikeouts, and allowing seven hits and two walks.

“We certainly want him to feel like he can get his feet wet and help us win,” said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. Melton’s performance has earned him a place in the Major League rotation, especially after the team announced that Keider Montero would be sent to Triple-A Toledo.

Looking ahead, Melton’s next starts are scheduled against the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 29 and the Minnesota Twins on August 4. His earlier success in the minor leagues, including a 2.72 ERA across 36.1 innings, led the team to give him a shot at the Major Leagues.

“He really needed the challenge up in the big leagues,” Hinch added. Melton’s ability to sharpen his skills will be essential as he joins a rotation that includes AL Cy Young contender Tarik Skubal. Fans look forward to seeing how Melton continues to develop as part of the Tigers’ future.