Mize Ankle Injury Update
Padres Pitcher Casey Mize Exits Game Against Twins With Ankle Sprain
Key Points
Velocity metrics showed a noticeable decline across Mize's arsenal: his final three fastballs were 91 mph (about 2 mph below his season average), and his sinker dipped to 88.4 mph in the third inning, with his other pitches (slider, sinker, slurve, and splitter) all at least 1.5 mph below season norms.
Mize was diagnosed with a right ankle sprain and left the mound with a trainer after 2 2/3 innings, with indications he was favoring his left foot during warmups ahead of the third inning.
The Twins offense got to Mize early, belting three home runs in the first nine batters, including back-to-back shots by Brooks Lee and Kaelen Culpepper in the second inning.
The Padres had only recently acquired Mize at the trade deadline along with infielder Gage Workman for pitching prospects Kash Mayfield and Jackson Wolf, a move designed to bolster pitching depth.
If Mize lands on the injured list again, Joe Musgrove is viewed as the most logical fill-in after his rehab start, with other depth options like Randy Vásquez, Kyle Hart, and Griffin Canning also available for the Padres' rotation considerations.
San Diego Padres pitcher Casey Mize exited Saturday's game against the Minnesota Twins in the third inning with a right ankle sprain, dealing another blow to the team's rotation depth. Despite losing Mize early, the Padres rallied to defeat the Twins 7-5 at Petco Park, with their bullpen stepping up after Star-Telegram reported his injury.
Mize's exit came after a sharp velocity decline across his pitches, with his fastball dropping to 91 mph—about 2 mph below his season average—and his sinker falling to 88.4 mph in the third inning. The Twins capitalized on his struggles, hitting three home runs in the first nine batters faced.
Velocity Decline Preceded Mize's Injury Exit
Mize's performance deteriorated noticeably as the game progressed. His fastballs late in the inning reached only 91 mph, a significant drop from his season norm of roughly 93 mph. His sinker dropped even further to 88.4 mph, while his slider, slurve, and splitter all fell at least 1.5 mph below seasonal averages.
The velocity issues signaled deeper mechanical trouble. Mize appeared to favor his left foot during warmups before the third inning, Miami Herald reported, suggesting he was already feeling discomfort before the injury became severe enough to force his exit.
Twins Pounced Early With Three Home Runs
Minnesota's offense took advantage of Mize's weakened stuff immediately. Brooks Lee and Kaelen Culpepper hit back-to-back home runs in the second inning, part of a three-homer barrage across the first nine batters Mize faced. The early offensive onslaught put immediate pressure on the Padres.
Despite the rough start, San Diego's bullpen prevented the deficit from growing. The relief corps delivered strong innings, allowing the Padres' offense to storm back and secure a 7-5 victory despite their starting pitcher's premature departure.
Trade Deadline Acquisition Faces Fresh Durability Concerns
The Padres acquired Mize from Detroit at the trade deadline specifically to add rotation depth, trading pitching prospects Kash Mayfield and Jackson Wolf along with infielder Gage Workman. San Diego hoped Mize would provide stability down the stretch, but his injury history has complicated that plan.
Mize carries a troubling track record of lower-body injuries. His prior adductor and groin issues with the Tigers raised red flags about durability even before this ankle sprain. Another stint on the injured list would further strain the Padres' already-stretched pitching resources.
Padres Must Turn to Internal Depth Options
If Mize lands on the injured list, Joe Musgrove emerges as the primary rotation solution. The ace is progressing through rehab assignments and represents the Padres' most reliable internal option to fill the gap created by Mize's exit.
Beyond Musgrove, San Diego has other depth arms available: Randy Vásquez, Kyle Hart, and Griffin Canning all represent potential rotation fill-ins. The team will likely await test results on Mize's ankle before finalizing rotation adjustments, Macon reported.
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