Jack Flaherty and Kenta Maeda combined to allow four runs in five innings in the Detroit Tigers' 6-5 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Thursday.

Jack Flaherty talks about signing with the Tigers, where he thinks the team is and returning to Los Angeles after winning the World Series

Because Flaherty pitched until the end of October, his activation into spring games was intentionally delayed. So some rust was expected.

Baseball has a way of delivering great storylines, and sometimes, the script practically writes itself. Last July, the Detroit Tigers traded Jack Flaherty to the Dodgers for two prospects, including catcher Thayron Liranzo.

Jack Flaherty talks about signing with the Tigers, where he thinks the team is and returning to Dodger Stadium after winning the World Series

Detroit Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris talks to reporters Feb. 7, 2025, about signing right-hander Jack Flaherty in free agency.

Jack Flaherty and Thayron Liranzo squared off during the second day of the Detroit Tigers' live batting practice sessions on the TigerTown backfields.

The Detroit Tigers have at least four pitchers competing for two rotation spots. At some point, they’ll have to whittle down the competition. No one is making it easy. Tarik Skubal, Reese Olson and Jack Flaherty have secure spots in the Tigers' rotation.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty vs. Eddys Leonard, Tharyon Liranzo, Andrew Navigato in live batting practice Feb. 18, 2025, in Lakeland, Florida.

Flaherty allowed one run on a hit and two walks across two innings in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox. He struck out two. Flaherty, who signed with Detroit on a two-year, $35 million deal earlier this month,

This is a 2025 photo of Jack Flaherty of the Detroit Tigers baseball team. This image reflects the Tigers active roster as of Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, when this image

The Tigers expected to enter Spring Training with four rotation spots secured. Jack Flaherty’ssurprisingly quiet market allowed Detroit to reinstall him as the #2 starter behind