The Detroit Tigers recently faced a setback with the signing of right-handed pitcher Alex Cobb, who is dealing with hip inflammation that has pushed his spring training schedule back by about a month. The delayed recovery process involved an epidural injection, part of a planned regimen, as confirmed by manager A.J. Hinch. Cobb’s participation in the Opening Day lineup remains uncertain, although he is reportedly on track to play catch soon.

The Tigers signed Cobb with the hope of bolstering their starting rotation, offering him a one-year contract worth $15 million, which could rise to $17 million if he exceeds 150 innings pitched—a milestone he has achieved only four times in his 13-year career. Cobb has a history of injury issues, never reaching 30 starts in any given season. After a brief stint with the Cleveland Guardians last season, where he had a respectable 2.76 ERA, he was expected to provide stability to the Tigers’ rotation.