The Detroit Tigers are wrapping up their set against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, June 11, at 1:10 p.m. ET.
Following the matchup, they will begin a three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field.
Fortunately, fans will be treated to the sight of ace Tarik Skubal on the mound, per Tigers reporter Evan Woodbery. Skipper A.J. Hinch announced that he’s scheduled to start on Saturday.
Tigers’ Tarik Skubal Returns
GettyDetroit Tigers’ Tarik Skubal will be starting on Saturday
As reported by Woodbery, A.J. Hinch has announced that their southpaw ace will be starting this weekend against the Guardians.
His last Major League game was on April 29, when he faced the Atlanta Braves.
The 29-year-old starter is widely known as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball, so having him return to Detroit’s rotation should provide the franchise with a significant boost.
According to Mike Axisa of CBS Sports, Skubal recently stated, “I need to keep the game of baseball as the game of baseball, especially not trying to make up for the last five weeks I’ve been gone. I can’t do that with one pitch or one outing. That’ll be the challenge — to keep the game as the game.”
Indeed, once Skubal makes his return, he will inevitably feel the pressure to play catch-up.
However, it may take some time for him to adjust to being back in the rotation. Easing himself back up to his full potential is ideal.
Skubal’s 2026 Campaign
GettyDetroit Tigers’ Tarik Skubal will be starting on Saturday
Before the regular season kicked off, the Tigers appeared to have one of the more lethal starting rotations in the big leagues. They acquired and retained key names on their roster, providing them with an imposing look.
But once Skubal landed on the IL, it became clear that things could take a sour turn for the organization.
Up until his injury, he had registered a 2.70 ERA and 45 strikeouts across 43.1 innings pitched through just seven starts.
The year prior, he logged a 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts across 195.1 innings of work through 31 starts.
Throughout his MLB career, he owns a 3.06 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP.
Skubal’s entire seven-year career in the Major Leagues has been spent in the Motor City.
The ballclub picked him 255th overall in the ninth round of the 2018 draft and made his debut in August 2020.
Although this hasn’t been a desirable season for the franchise, and certainly not for their loyal ace, it’s incredibly reassuring to hear of his upcoming return.
Tigers in the Standings
GettyDetroit Tigers’ Tarik Skubal is returning to the rotation on Saturday
Ahead of Detroit’s final matchup against the Twins on Thursday, the organization is riding a 28-40 overall record. This ties them with the Kansas City Royals at the bottom of the American League Central standings.
To the surprise of many, leading the division are the Chicago White Sox (36-31), followed by Cleveland (37-33) and Minnesota (31-38).
With Skubal entering the rotation once again, the bar is being raised — Detroit must find a way to start climbing within their division.
Detroit Tigers Announce Update on Tarik Skubal Before Guardians Series