Urquidy’s Emotional Return to the Mound
José Urquidy is poised to make a heartfelt return to the mound as he nears his debut with the Detroit Tigers following a lengthy recovery from Tommy John surgery. The 30-year-old right-hander is filled with anticipation and a whirlwind of emotions as he prepares for his first appearance in Major League Baseball since 2023.
Urquidy’s journey has been a challenging one, marked by significant setbacks and perseverance. After the Tigers activated him earlier this week, he reflected on the moment he steps back onto the field. “I don’t know how it’s going to be,” Urquidy shared. “Maybe I’m gonna cry. But it’s just a mix of emotions on what’s gonna happen.”
A Saga of Injuries and Recovery
The road to recovery for Urquidy has been anything but smooth. He did not pitch at all last season for the Houston Astros, having sustained a right forearm strain during spring training. Initially placed on the injured list, he attempted a series of rehab starts but ultimately faced the harsh reality that his arm was not responding to treatment. By June, he underwent the second major elbow surgery of his career.
In a move that reflects the challenges he faced, the Astros removed him from their 40-man roster in November and sought to assign him to Triple-A. However, Urquidy opted for free agency, seeking a fresh start. The Tigers recognized his potential and signed him in March, offering him a two-year contract that includes a modest salary of $1 million for this season and $4 million in 2026.
Preparing for the Big Leagues
Unlike fellow free-agent acquisition Alex Cobb, whose career is clouded by ongoing hip issues, Urquidy has shown promising signs of readiness. He made significant strides in the minor leagues, where he pitched in 10 games—eight of them as a starter—boasting a 1-1 record and a solid 3.20 ERA over 19.2 innings. His performance included 16 strikeouts against five walks.
The Tigers are in dire need of pitching depth, especially following season-ending injuries to Jackson Jobe and Reese Olson, compounded by the recent struggles of trade deadline acquisition Charlie Morton. Urquidy’s versatility as both a starter and reliever positions him as an invaluable asset for a team grappling with a “pitching chaos” scenario on bullpen days.
A Legacy of Resilience
Urquidy’s journey to this moment is rooted in his ten-year relationship with the Astros, who signed him as an international free agent in 2015. Over the next several years, he navigated the complexities of professional baseball, including a season lost to his first Tommy John surgery in 2017. His resilience paid off when he debuted with the Astros in 2019, making history as just the third Mexican-born pitcher to start a World Series game, a testament to his skill and determination.
His best season came in 2022, when he notched a 13-8 record with a 3.94 ERA, contributing to the Astros’ second World Series title. With a career record of 27-16 and a 3.98 ERA in the Majors, Urquidy has established himself as a reliable pitcher, striking out 326 batters while walking 97 in 405 innings.
As Urquidy stands on the brink of his Tigers debut, he embodies the spirit of resilience and hope. His return to the mound is not just a personal victory; it represents a critical opportunity for the Tigers as they seek to bolster their pitching staff in a season filled with challenges. The emotions are palpable, and the journey has only just begun.
