Florida baseball fans have been waiting to see former Gator right-hander Alex Faedo get his shot in the big leagues, and the next chapter of his story began on Sunday.
Faedo started 12 games last year for the Detroit Tigers after being called up, but his season ended early after a hip injury required surgery and rehab that lasted the rest of the year. His 5.53 ERA, 44 strikeouts and 25 walks through 53 2/3 innings weren’t eye-popping numbers, but they set a good baseline for the future.
After healing up and working with the Tigers again in spring training, Faedo started the 2023 seasons off in Toledo with Triple-A affiliate Mudhens. He made five starts, logging a 2.50 ERA, four walks and 19 strikeouts over 18 innings.
Alex Faedo gets the ball for the finale. pic.twitter.com/t75HzgEbJP
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 7, 2023
Those numbers are good, but Faedo’s been dominating the minor leagues for some time. The question is whether he can succeed as a backend starter for an MLB club.
Detroit called Faedo back up on Sunday to pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals. He surrendered three runs (two earned) on three hit and no walks while striking out one through 4 2/3 innings.
He didn’t earn a decision, but Faedo put the Tigers in a position to win without giving up a free base, which is a good sign. A pair of home runs and a ton of hard-hit balls aren’t great, but it’s still a decent outcome for a player coming off an injury and on a pitch count.
The Tigers have announced the following roster moves:
*Following yesterday’s game, optioned RHP Spencer Turnbull to Triple A Toledo.
*Recalled RHP Alex Faedo from Triple A Toledo.— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) May 7, 2023
Detroit sent down left-hander Spencer Turnbull in a corresponding move with Faedo’s callup, so the Tigers should give him a few starts before deciding on how he fits in the rotation.
Faedo was the 2017 College World Series Most Outstanding and one of the best pitchers in UF baseball history. He finished his career with a program-high .824 win percentage (28-6) and posted a 2.26 ERA his junior year.
The Tigers drafted him with the No. 18 overall picking the 2017 MLB draft.
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