Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Troy Melton exited Sunday's 8-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox in the fourth inning after complaining of “achyness” in his arm. He will undergo further examination.

Melton's departure came with two outs in the bottom of the fourth and Chicago leading 3-0. Detroit pitching coach Chris Fetter first went to the mound, followed by manager AJ Hinch and assistant athletic trainer Kelly Rhoades. Melton ultimately left the game with Rhoades, with Tyler Holton taking over.

The 25-year-old was charged with four runs over 3⅔ innings, allowing four hits while walking three and striking out four. He needed 84 pitches to record 11 outs, with 50 of those pitches going for strikes.

Melton entered the contest with an 8-4 record, a 2.52 ERA and 90 strikeouts over 110⅔ innings. He had been effective against the White Sox earlier this season, carrying a 1.56 ERA through his first three starts.

Article Continues Below

The right-hander was diagnosed with right elbow inflammation in late February and began the season on the 60-day injured list before returning May 24.

Entering Sunday, Melton owned a 2.60 ERA across his first 23 career starts dating to July 2025, the lowest mark by a Tigers pitcher through his first 23 starts since Mark Fidrych accumulated a 2.37 ERA in 1976.

However, Melton had been under siege in his three starts before Sunday, surrendering 11 earned runs on 18 hits while issuing six walks and hitting three batters.

Melton's promising season is almost certainly over with an 8-5 record and a 2.76 ERA.