Baseball
Baseball
Skubal’s Start Against Orioles Looms Amidst Trade Deadline Speculation
Skubal’s Start Against Orioles Looms Amidst Trade Deadline Speculation
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes are on Tarik Skubal as he prepares for his Wednesday afternoon start against the Orioles in Detroit. With the deadline set for 6 p.m. ET on August 3, there’s growing anticipation that this could be the two-time AL Cy Young winner’s final appearance in a Tigers uniform.
The Tigers’ season, which began with postseason hopes, has been a rollercoaster. After a dismal 6-22 record in May, leaving them 22-38 and last in the American League, the team rebounded, going 28-16 from early June through last Friday. This surge, partly fueled by Skubal’s return from elbow surgery on June 13, brought them within 3 ½ games of a playoff spot. However, a recent three-game losing streak has pushed them back to a four-game deficit, diminishing their playoff chances.
Skubal, who is slated to become a free agent after the 2026 season, has been the subject of trade rumors since last offseason. Despite the Tigers signing Framber Valdez and initially holding onto Skubal, their recent struggles have reignited the possibility of a blockbuster trade. The situation draws parallels to 2017, when Justin Verlander was traded after the August deadline, though rules have since changed.
With the Tigers on the periphery of contention and running out of time, the decision regarding Skubal’s future will significantly impact the team’s direction. His performance against the Orioles could mark a pivotal moment in the Tigers’ season, potentially signaling a shift in their roster as the trade deadline looms.
Sources
