The Detroit Tigers find themselves in a tough spot just 36 games into the MLB season, with their starting rotation absolutely devastated by injuries. Six potential starters are currently on the Injured List, leaving the team scrambling to patch together a competitive staff. For a team that's been relying on its pitching depth, this is a gut-check moment early in the campaign.
The biggest blow came Monday when two-time reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal landed on the 15-day IL. He's scheduled for surgery to remove "loose bodies" from his throwing elbow after an injury scare during his April 29 start. His return timeline is uncertain, but he'll have plenty of company in the training room. Also sidelined are Justin Verlander (hip), Casey Mize (abductor strain), Reese Olson (shoulder), Troy Melton (elbow), and Jackson Jobe, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery. That's a staggering amount of talent on the shelf.
Despite the adversity, the Tigers (18-18) are hanging tough. After Monday's 5-4 loss to the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park, they remain tied with the Cleveland Guardians for first place in the AL Central. But that lead could get shaky fast with such a depleted rotation. Manager A.J. Hinch is already mapping out a short-term plan to weather the storm.
Framber Valdez (2-1) has been a bright spot, looking like a savvy offseason free-agent signing with ace-like potential. He's scheduled to start Tuesday, giving the Tigers a reliable arm to lean on. Jack Flaherty (0-2) will take the mound Wednesday in the series finale, though he's been battling control issues so far this season.
After an off day Thursday, the Tigers travel to Kansas City to face the Royals. Keider Montero (2-2) is slated to start that series opener. Montero began the season at Triple-A Toledo and was the first call-up when Verlander went down after just one start. For Saturday, Hinch is likely to embrace a "pitching chaos" approach, starting with reliever Tyler Holton and mixing and matching from the bullpen the rest of the way.
Sunday's starter remains a question mark as of Tuesday morning, but rookie Ty Madden could get the nod. Madden made one start in 2025 and represents the kind of young, unproven arm the Tigers will need to lean on as they navigate this brutal stretch. For a team with championship aspirations, this is a true test of depth and resilience.