Mize (elbow) reported no issues after throwing a 20-pitch live batting practice session Saturday, MLB.com reports. "It's good to have a hitter in the box again," said Mize, who will look to throw more pitches in his next session in a few days.
The 26-year-old faced hitters for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery and back surgery last summer. According to manager A.J. Hinch, Mize looked "exceptional" during the session, with the right-hander sporting a fastball that hovered around the mid-90s and also mixing in sharp-breaking curveballs. Mize could need at least a couple more live sessions before getting cleared to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment. He could have a chance to pitch in the big leagues before the season ends Oct. 1, but if that comes to fruition, the Tigers may deploy him as a reliever or as an opening pitcher rather than a traditional starter.