Flaherty’s line was 3.1 innings, two runs allowed on three hits, but a troubling 6 walks and just three strikeouts. His season ERA sits at 3.47, yet his walk rate, at 7.71 BB/9, is the highest of his career—well above last year’s 3.3 BB/9. His 1.59 WHIP and 4.59 FIP underscore ongoing concerns about his command.
After the game, Tigers manager AJ Hinch voiced support for Flaherty, saying he was “a little bit out of sync from the get-go,” with uncharacteristic misses and back-to-back walks that stressed him and led to a high pitch count. Flaherty was pulled after 73 pitches, with his next start lined up against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.
Despite the rough start, Detroit’s rotation remains a major strength. The Tigers rank among the league’s best by fWAR, second only to the Seattle Mariners in that metric. Tarik Skubal leads the group with a 2.08 ERA through five starts, followed by Framber Valdez at 3.30, Casey Mize at 2.78, and Keider Montero at 3.31.
The Tigers also feature veteran depth, including Justin Verlander, who began the season with the rotation before landing on the injured list with left hip inflammation. Verlander did not make the Boston trip, and there’s growing talk of how the rotation could adjust if Flaherty’s control issues persist.
Detroit will try to regroup with a three-game set against the Milwaukee Brewers in Detroit, aiming to maintain their standing atop a strong starting staff while addressing Flaherty’s command in the process.
