The Detroit Tigers suffered a sweep at the hands of the Kansas City Royals. Luckily for them, they get back on the horse on Monday night and begin their new series against the Tampa Bay Rays. Meanwhile, they announced an update on Jack Flaherty.
On Sunday, the Tigers lost 11-7 to the Royals. Unfortunately, newcomer Andrew Sears was tabbed with the loss. The Tigers have a 61-69 record after Sunday’s loss.
To say that being swept by the Royals hurt their playoff chances is a bit of an understatement. According to Fangraphs, the Tigers now have a 4.6 percent chance of securing an AL playoff spot.
Detroit Tigers Announce Jack Flaherty Injury News
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – APRIL 04: Jack Flaherty #9 of the Detroit Tigers plays against the St. Louis Cardinals at Comerica Park on April 04, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
On the team website, the Tigers have announced some Flaherty injury news.
On August 23rd, they wrote, “Threw first bullpen session on Aug. 23 in Kansas City. All signs were positive. Next step will be to throw another in a few days.”
Flaherty’s current projected return date is in September. He was placed on the 15-day IL on July 21st due to right flexor inflammation.
Flaherty is a 30-year-old pitcher who was originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals.
Looking at Jack Flaherty
GettyBOSTON, MA – APRIL 20: Jack Flaherty #9 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Fenway Park on April 20, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Flaherty has had a turbulent year.
His current injury is his second one of the season. Flaherty first suffered a left peroneal strain in the middle of June.
Despite the injuries, Flaherty has started 19 games this year. In those games, he has recorded 102 strikeouts in 86.1 innings while surrendering 11 home runs and 42 walks.
The Detroit Tigers, the AL Wild Card Race & MLB Standings
GettyKANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – AUGUST 22: Salvador Perez #13 of the Kansas City Royals celebrates his home run as Spencer Torkelson #20 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during the fourth inning at Kauffman Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Reed Hoffmann/Getty Images)
The Tigers are 2-8 in their last 10 games.
As far as the AL Central Division goes, the Tigers are fourth in the division. They sit seven games behind the Chicago White Sox.
Right now, the Cleveland Guardians and the Texas Rangers are deadlocked for the final AL Wild Card spot. Ahead of the Tigers are the Toronto Blue Jays, Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles, and the Seattle Mariners.
Detroit Tigers Probable Pitchers vs Tampa Bay Rays
Here are the probable pitchers for the Tigers vs Rays series that begins on Monday, August 24th:
- August 24th: Framber Valdez vs Drew Rasmussen
- August 25th: Jackson Jobe vs Ian Seymour
- August 26th: Troy Melton vs Freddy Peralta
The Tigers and Rays played a three-game series at the beginning of June. The Tigers won all three games 10-9, 8-0, and 7-2, respectively.
This will be a golden opportunity for the Tigers to keep themselves in the AL playoff race.
Detroit Tigers Announce Good Jack Flaherty News Before Rays Series