It was a moment that Detroit Tigers fans had anticipated since the team selected him first overall in the 2018 MLB Draft.
Pitcher Casey Mize made his much-awaited debut last night against the Chicago White Sox, taking the mound and showing the poise and rhythm of a seasoned veteran despite it being his first major league action. And while the Tigers would ultimately come up short in the contest, fans will be remembering Mize’s debut as hopefully the start of something special for a franchise in the midst of a rebuild.
So much so, that the ratings for the game’s broadcast on Fox Sports Detroit was the third highest of the season behind only the season opener against the Cincinnati Reds and the home opener against the Kansas City Royals.
Last night’s game drew a 5.03 HH rating for FSD, which means that of all televisions in the market that carry the network, more than 5% of them were tuned into the game.
It was arguably the most anticipated debut of a prospect since that of Justin Verlander back during the magical season of 2006. How many of you tuned in?
BONUS CONTENT: Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire discusses Casey Mize’s MLB debut
The future is finally here for the Detroit Tigers. At least, a huge part of it.
Pitcher Casey Mize made his much anticipated MLB debut tonight for the Tigers against the Chicago White Sox. Mize, Detroit’s first overall selection in the 2018 MLB Draft, had been at the team’s alternate training site in Toledo, Ohio.
His final stat line tonight reads 4.1 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 7 K on 73 pitches.
“He’s doing fine. He was out there and he picked fine,” he continued. “We liked the guy, everyone’s liked him…it’s nice to see him up there with us. We all know the kid is a really special talent – he’ll take a few bumps here and there, pretty much every pitcher I’ve been around has taken a few bumps.”
