The Detroit Tigers have hit a rough patch, and it starts with their ace. The team scratched Tarik Skubal from Monday night's start against the Boston Red Sox, raising eyebrows across the baseball world. This move comes as the Tigers sit at 18-17, tied with the Cleveland Guardians for the top spot in the AL Central—a position they've fought hard to hold.

According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, the decision was precautionary. "Tarik Skubal is being scratched tonight," Heyman reported. "But hope and belief is he will be OK. Seen as a precautionary move." While the exact reason remains undisclosed, this news offers a glimmer of relief for Tigers fans worried about a long-term setback.

Skubal has been a bright spot this season, posting a 2.70 ERA with 45 strikeouts and a 3-2 record across seven starts and 43.5 innings. His performance has been a key factor in Detroit's early success, alongside rookie Kevin McGonigle. But the scratch isn't entirely out of the blue.

In his last outing against the Atlanta Braves, Skubal caused a stir when he took off his glove on the mound, signaled to the dugout, and spoke with trainers. The moment, captured on video, had fans holding their breath. Fortunately, he stayed in the game and finished the seventh inning. Still, that incident may have prompted the Tigers to play it safe tonight against the Red Sox.

For now, the Tigers are managing the situation cautiously. While the absence of their Cy Young contender is concerning, the team's hope is that this is just a minor hiccup in an otherwise strong season.