The Detroit Tigers are facing a tough test early in the 2026 season, but manager A.J. Hinch is making one thing clear: the sky isn't falling.
On Monday, the Tigers placed reigning two-time American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal on the injured list after he was scratched from his start against the Boston Red Sox. The left-hander requires surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow, a procedure that will sideline him for multiple months. While a return later this season is expected, there's no exact timetable yet.
"It's a big test," Hinch said ahead of Monday's series opener, with the Tigers sitting at 18-17. "You can't deny it's a big blow, but we're not canceling the season. We're going to play the games."
Skubal's absence is a major one. Through seven starts in 2026, he posted a 2.70 ERA with 45 strikeouts over 43⅓ innings. Since 2023, the Tigers have gone 54-30 in his 84 starts, where he's dominated with a 2.41 ERA across 511 innings. His presence has been a cornerstone of Detroit's resurgence, and losing him stings—especially with an already battered roster.
The injury bug has hit the Tigers hard. The rotation now has three pitchers on the IL, including Skubal, right-hander Casey Mize (adductor strain), and veteran Justin Verlander (hip inflammation). The bullpen is missing right-hander Will Vest (forearm inflammation), while the position player group is without center fielder Parker Meadows (radius fracture), utility man Zach McKinstry (hip/abdominal issue), and shortstop Javier Báez (ankle sprain). That's not counting three other starting pitchers who went down before Opening Day: Jackson Jobe (Tommy John surgery), Reese Olson (shoulder surgery), and Troy Melton (elbow inflammation).
Despite the mounting challenges, Skubal himself offered a calm perspective just a day before his IL placement. "It takes more than five starters and eight relievers and 13 position players," he said. "Every team goes through that. That's where depth matters in this organization."
For Tigers fans, this season is shaping up to be a true test of resilience. With Skubal out and key players sidelined, the depth will need to step up—and Hinch is ready to lead the charge. As he put it, this team isn't waving the white flag just yet.