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Tigers collapse since superstar pitcher Tarik Skubal landed on IL needs to be studied
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- Tigers collapse since superstar pitcher Tarik Skubal landed on IL needs to be studied
Tigers collapse since superstar pitcher Tarik Skubal landed on IL needs to be studied appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Detroit Tigers ’ collapse over the last two weeks has become one of the most concerning developments in the American League Central since reigning back-to-back AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal landed on the injured list earlier this month. The team’s rapid decline has intensified concerns surrounding the Tigers ’ pitching depth and overall roster stability without their ace available atop the rotation.
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The Tigers entered May 4 tied for first place in the division before losing Skubal to loose bodies in his left elbow. The superstar pitcher later underwent surgery after posting a solid 2.70 ERA with 45 strikeouts across 43.1 innings in the 2026 season. Since then, Detroit’s season has taken a dramatic turn.
The Tigers have won just two games during Skubal’s absence and now sit tied with the Kansas City Royals for last place in the AL Central at 20-28. Detroit also dropped Monday’s series opener against the division-leading Cleveland Guardians 8-2 and now trails Cleveland by 6.5 games after appearing firmly positioned to compete near the top of the standings only weeks ago.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale emphasized the dramatic shift Monday night on his official X, formerly Twitter, account while detailing how drastically the club’s season has unraveled without its ace anchoring the rotation.
“The Detroit Tigers were tied for first place in the AL Central on May 4 when two-time Cy Young award winner Tarik Skubal went on the IL.
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They have since gone 2-11 in his absence and are now tied for last place.”
The numbers further reinforce how valuable Skubal remains to Detroit’s success. Entering this season, the Tigers held an impressive 54-30 record in games started by the left-hander dating back to 2023. His absence has exposed concerns involving rotation depth, bullpen consistency, and the club’s overall balance throughout the roster.
The Tigers still have time to recover in the division race, but the club clearly needs answers quickly. Otherwise, it seems like Skubal’s injury could completely derail what once looked like a promising and highly competitive 2026 season.
Related: Tigers’ Tarik Skubal gets huge mound update after elbow surgery
Related: Tigers get pitcher back from IL before Blue Jays game
