Detroit Tigers Make Casey Mize Trade Deadline Decision Before Athletics Series

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DETROIT, MI - JUNE 23: Starting pitcher Casey Mize #12 of the Detroit Tigers sits in the dugout after being pulled from the game against the New York Yankees during the sixth inning at Comerica Park on June 23, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)

The Detroit Tigers are slated to begin a three-game series against the Athletics in Sacramento, California, at 9:40 p.m. EDT on Friday.

Ahead of the game, Detroit made a trade deadline decision regarding right-handed starting pitcher Casey Mize.

Detroit Tigers Scratch Casey Mize in Preparation for Trade Deadline

Mize was originally scheduled to start against the Athletics on Friday. In preparation for the trade deadline, the Tigers scratched the right-hander.

The Athletic’s Cody Stavenhagen wrote on X: “The Tigers are scratching Casey Mize from his start tonight. Mize is healthy and there is no trade in place, but it’s a precaution with the deadline looming. Bullpen game tonight”

Mize is slated to be a free agent at the end of the season. In 86 2/3 innings across 16 starts this year, Mize has posted a 2.70 ERA with a 0.99 WHIP and 85 strikeouts.

The Tigers’ decision to scratch Mize indicates that the team will most likely sell at the trade deadline.

Tigers Appear Set to Sell at Trade Deadline

The New York Post’s Jon Heyman wrote on X: “This is the clearest sign yet Skubal will very likely go in trade. Tigers have plenty to deal including also Mize, Gleyber Torres and Kyle Finnegan”

It’s been a rather disappointing season for the Tigers. Despite being in a weak American League with a solid +38 run differential, Detroit is 6 1/2 games back of the Chicago White Sox for first place in the American League Central and 4 1/2 games back of the Cleveland Guardians for the third American League Wild Card spot.

It’s pretty shocking that the Tigers have been as bad as they have this year. Entering the season, many viewed them as the favorites to win the American League Central. Their run differential is the second-best in the division behind the White Sox by just five runs.

Last year, the Tigers were extremely close to reaching the ALCS, making it to extra innings in Game 5 of the ALDS against the Seattle Mariners. Seattle won the game, then got eliminated by the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the ALCS.

The Tigers’ three-game set against the Athletics will be the team’s final series before the Aug. 3 trade deadline. After that, Detroit will stay on the road for a three-game series against the Mariners followed by a three-game set against the San Francisco Giants.