Jackson Jobe's young career has been put on pause. The Tigers announced Wednesday that Jobe will undergo Tommy John surgery and that his 2025 season is over.
The news comes a couple weeks after Jobe hit the injured list with a flexor strain in his right elbow that was believed to be minor. But further testing revealed damage to his UCL, "and ultimately," Tigers GM Jeff Greenberg told reporters Wednesday night, "surgery was determined as the path."
On top of missing the rest of this season, Jobe will miss at least part of next season as well. While the Tigers didn't announce a timetable beyond this year, there's a chance that he won't pitch in Detroit again until 2027. Recovery from Tommy John is typically a 12-18 month process.
"It's obviously really disappointing news," Greenberg said. "I really feel for Jackson. Obviously everybody sees the talent. He made a really positive impression to this team in his short time here. He's a very determined individual. I have no question he'll work through this process and be a really important contributor for this team for a very long time."
Jobe, 22, had a 4.22 ERA in 10 starts this season after making the team out of spring training. His arm talent is clear, but he struggled to consistently put it together. He had a WHIP of 1.490, with 39 strikeouts to 27 walks in 49 innings. He struck out well more than a batter per inning and issued far fewer walks over three years in the minors.
Drafted third overall in 2021, Jobe can find support in rotation mate Case Mize, the first overall pick in 2018 who underwent Tommy John in 2022 and missed almost two full seasons before returning last year. This year, Mize is 6-2 with a 2.95 ERA in 11 starts.
"I hate it for him," Mize said Wednesday night after the Tigers' loss to the Orioles. "Having gone through it, it's a long process, but it's one I know he'll attack. I'm feeling for him, but I know, in the end, everything is going to be all right for him. I hate it for our team as well. Jackson is a special talent. It's a long road, but I know he's going to work really hard and come out of it better and be able to help us when he gets back."
Mize acknowledged the long rehab process from Tommy John can be "confusing and frustrating and difficult at times." He's not the only Tigers pitcher who's undergone the surgery. Tarik Skubal, Alex Cobb and Sawyer Gipson-Long have also recovered from the operation.
"If I can be a resource to him, I'm going to be there for him, as I know plenty of other guys in this clubhouse will be to help make the process for him a little bit easier," Mize said.