RADIO
Tarik Skubal Expected to be Traded by Monday's Deadline
ESPN's Jeff Passan thinks that Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal will be traded by Monday's deadline. The Tigers knew that they needed to go on a really big run in July for Skubal to stick around, and they didn't do it. They are currently 51-58 (six games back in the American League Central), and they sit 4.5 games behind the last wild-card spot in the AL, with four teams in front of them. Passan mentions the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are the favorites at this point, as the teams in the best position to pull off a blockbuster trade for Skubal, who has won the AL Cy Young in each of the last two seasons. The 29-year-old southpaw missed some time in the first half of the season due to surgery on his left elbow to remove loose bodies, but otherwise he's pitched well in 2026, going 7-5 with a 2.79 ERA (2.61 FIP) and 0.91 WHIP with 116 strikeouts and only 14 walks in 96 2/3 frames across his 16 starts. Moving to a contender like the Brewers or Dodgers will definitely boost Skubal's fantasy appeal to close out the season. Stay tuned.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Jack Flaherty Expected to Miss More than 15 Days with Current Flexor Strain
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said he expects starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (forearm) to miss "more than the minimum" 15 days with his current forearm injury, per Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. Flaherty was placed on the 15-day injured list on July 21 due to right flexor inflammation. The veteran right-hander has yet to resume throwing, and it appears he could be facing an extended absence. Across 86 1/3 innings (19 starts) before the injury, Flaherty recorded a 3-8 record with a 4.59 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and 102 strikeouts. The 30-year-old has maintained a strong 26.2% strikeout rate this season, but he's walked 10.8% of the batters he's faced and has allowed a 46.2% hard-hit rate. With Flaherty sidelined, Tigers right-hander Keider Montero has rejoined the team's starting rotation.
Source: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen
Source: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen
Tarik Skubal Boosts Trade Value With 12-Strikeout Performance
Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal was in Cy Young form in Friday's 2-1 narrow win over the division-rival Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park, allowing just one earned run on four hits while walking two and striking out a season-high 12 hitters in 7 1/3 innings to pick up his seventh win of the year and lower his season ERA to 2.70. It was the 29-year-old southpaw's eighth quality start of the year. Skubal now sits at 7-5 on the 2026 campaign with a 0.92 WHIP and 110 strikeouts in 90 innings over his 15 starts. The former ninth-rounder in 2018 out of Seattle University has bounced back nicely after having a minimally invasive procedure to remove loose bodies from his left elbow in the first half of the season. The two-time Cy Young winner has been at his best of late with a 1.48 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 35:5 K:BB in 24 1/3 frames over his four starts in July as he bolsters his trade value with the early August deadline quickly approaching. Any MLB team that acquires Skubal is going to fork over a king's ransom for one of the most dominant arms over the last couple of seasons.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Casey Mize Set to Start on Saturday
Detroit Tigers right-hander Casey Mize (groin, wrist) will start on Saturday against the division-rival Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park, according to MLB.com. Mize was hit by a comebacker on his left wrist and aggravated a groin injury in his last start on Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels, but the two injuries weren't enough to keep him from going this weekend in Motown in a plus matchup. He was able to throw his normal between-starts bullpen session this week and is ready to roll, so fantasy managers should get ready to throw him back into their starting lineups. The 29-year-old former first overall pick in 2018 out of Auburn has had a career year in 2026, going 4-6 with a 2.79 ERA (2.62 FIP) and 1.03 WHIP with 82 strikeouts and 19 walks in 80 2/3 frames across his 15 starts. Mize has dealt with some injuries and spent time on the injured list, but when available, he's been great, and he also has a career-best 25.6% strikeout rate. He hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in any of his last four starts.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Brewers Getting Aggressive, Could Target Tarik Skubal at Trade Deadline
The Milwaukee Brewers, who have the best record in franchise history to this point in the season and the second-biggest division lead in baseball, are prepared to "adopt a more aggressive approach" at this year's trade deadline compared to recent years, sources familiar with the club's thinking have told MLB.com's Adam McCalvy. It means club officials have touched base with the Detroit Tigers about ace left-hander Tarik Skubal and the San Diego Padres about flamethrowing closer Mason Miller. "I've been on the phone a lot," said president of baseball operations Matt Arnold. "We're definitely active." Despite an aggressive approach, the Brewers have been telling teams they won't decimate their farm system to land a high-profile player, especially if he's just a rental. Milwaukee has assigned high value to their top-100 prospects -- shortstops Jesus Made and Luis Pena, and outfielder Josh Adamczewski. The Brewers' primary focus is believed to be reinforcing a pitching staff that owns the second-best ERA (3.44) despite losing starters Brandon Woodruff and Quinn Priester, and high-leverage reliever Angel Zerpa to season-ending injuries.
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Jack Flaherty Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Right Flexor Inflammation
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (forearm) was placed on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday due to a right flexor strain, per a team announcement. It's the second trip to the IL this season for Flaherty, who missed time in June with a lower leg injury. While the full extent of Flaherty's current health situation is not yet known, any forearm injury is a worrying sign for a pitcher. Across 86 1/3 innings (19 starts) in 2026, Flaherty has recorded a 3-8 record with a 4.59 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and 102 strikeouts. The 30-year-old owns an impressive 26.2% strikeout rate, but he's also walked batters at a 10.8% clip. As the corresponding move to Flaherty's placement on the injured list, Detroit recalled right-hander Ty Madden.
Source: Detroit Tigers
Source: Detroit Tigers
Casey Mize Expected to Make his Next Start
Detroit Tigers right-hander Casey Mize (groin, wrist) left his start early on July 19 after taking a comebacker off his left hand/wrist area while also suffering a mild aggravation of his groin injury. Mize felt fine throwing on Monday, though, and will do his normal pre-start routine with the expectation that he will make his next scheduled start, according to MLB.com. Barring a setback, the 29-year-old is lined up to face the Kansas City Royals this Sunday. The former first overall pick from Auburn University in 2018 is having the best year of his career in 2026 with a 2.79 ERA (2.62 FIP) and 1.03 WHIP with 82 strikeouts and 19 walks in 80 2/3 innings across 15 starts. Mize has dealt with injuries, but when he's been available, he's been consistent for fantasy managers and the Tigers. He has allowed three runs or fewer in each of his last four starts with two wins, five walks, and 24 strikeouts over 22 2/3 innings in that span. If Mize is officially cleared to start on Sunday, he'll be a strong streaming option against the division-rival Royals.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Casey Mize Pulled Early on Sunday With Groin, Wrist Injuries
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said that right-hander Casey Mize (groin, wrist) was pulled from his start early on Sunday in a loss to the Los Angeles Angels with groin tightness and a wrist issue after being hit by a comebacker, according to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News. Mize will have more rehab and tests on his groin, but he said he left the game as a precaution. The 29-year-old only made it through 3 1/3 innings on Sunday, allowing an earned run on five hits while walking one and striking out five for a no-decision. He was pulled in the fourth inning after he was hit by a groundball off the bat of Angels outfielder Jo Adell in the left hand/wrist, but Mize had already been feeling tightness in his groin at that point. Mize should be considered day-to-day for now, and although his injuries don't appear to be very serious, his next scheduled start against the division-rival Kansas City Royals on Friday, July 24, should be considered up in the air. He's already missed time in 2026 due to injury, but Mize is currently in the midst of his best year as a pro, coming into his start on Sunday with a 2.79 ERA (2.69 FIP) and 0.99 WHIP with 77 K's and 18 walks across his 14 starts.
Source: The Detroit News - Chris McCosky
Source: The Detroit News - Chris McCosky
Framber Valdez Returns From Bereavement List
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Framber Valdez has been activated off the bereavement list on Saturday. Valdez missed a little under a week while dealing with personal issues. Luckily, it was right before the All-Star break, so his absence didn't mess up the Tigers' rotation. Valdez is expected to make his next start during the upcoming series versus the Chicago Cubs. The exact date of his start is unknown, so fantasy managers will need to stay tuned for more information. In a corresponding move, right-hander Beau Brieske was optioned to Triple-A on Saturday.
Source: Tigers PR
Source: Tigers PR
Framber Valdez Placed on Bereavement List
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Framber Valdez was placed on the bereavement list on Sunday. Valdez will miss Sunday's first half finale against the Philadelphia Phillies. Due to the timing, Valdez might not miss any starts due to the All-Star break beginning on Monday. Andre Granillo, who was claimed off waivers on Saturday, will take his spot on the active roster. Valdez will finish the first half with a 4.10 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and a 87/36 K/BB ratio across 19 starts. It hasn't been an ideal beginning to his Tigers' career, but Valdez should remain rostered in most fantasy formats.
Source: Tigers PR
Source: Tigers PR
Cameron Flukey Falls to Tigers With 22nd Overall Selection in MLB Draft
The Detroit Tigers selected Coastal Carolina right-hander Cameron Flukey with the 22nd overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft on Saturday, per MLB.com. Flukey came into this year's draft ranked as the No. 15 overall prospect, so he fell a bit in the first round. The 21-year-old missed a few months earlier this year with the Chanticleers due to a stress reaction in his rib, although he looked pretty good upon returning in April. The 6-foot-6, 210-pounder needs to improve his secondary pitches and add spin to his game, but he's intriguing for his upper-90s heater and curveball with downward movement. Flukey only ended up making seven starts at Coastal Carolina in his final collegiate season in 2026, going 0-2 with a 4.13 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 31:9 K:BB in 24 innings pitched. Scouts are concerned that his breaking pitches won't have the same effect against pro hitters, but the Tigers liked enough of what they saw to take him in the first round. The good news is he repeats his delivery with ease and hasn't had trouble throwing strikes. Flukey could take the next step if he adds some muscle to his lean frame.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Troy Melton Remains a Steady Waiver-Wire Target Despite Lack of Strikeouts
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Troy Melton did not make his 2026 debut until late May due to an elbow injury, and then missed a start in June due to back tightness. However, Melton has been highly effective when healthy this season, recording a 5-1 record with a 1.82 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, and 41 strikeouts across 49 1/3 innings (eight starts). The 25-year-old owns just a 21.7% strikeout rate, which is definitely a limiting factor on his fantasy appeal. However, Melton limits free passes (5.8% walk rate) and has pitched into the sixth inning or later in five of his eight starts this season. The young right-hander may also have some untapped swing-and-miss potential, as he logged a 32.4% strikeout rate across 75 1/3 minor league innings in 2025. At the very least, Melton profiles as a priority starting pitcher streamer for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jackson Jobe Touches 100 MPH in First Rehab Outing, Emerging as Top Injury Stash?
Detroit Tigers right-hander Jackson Jobe (elbow) pitched in a minor-league rehab game on Tuesday at Single-A Lakeland for the first time since late May of last year due to Tommy John surgery, and he hit 100 mph while giving up an earned run with no walks and a strikeout in 1 1/3 innings pitched. It was an encouraging outing for the 23-year-old, who threw 24 of his 32 pitches for strikes, but given his long layoff, his rehab assignment is expected to last around a month. The former third overall pick in 2021 could become a high-upside strikeout arm later this year if he can earn a spot back in Detroit's starting rotation, so he's certainly a name to keep tabs on in fantasy leagues. In deeper formats, Jobe might be worth stashing now. In only 12 big-league appearances (10 starts) for the Tigers since debuting in 2024, Jobe has a 3.91 ERA (5.01 FIP), a 1.41 WIHP, and a 41:28 K:BB in 53 innings pitched. It appears Jobe has already regained his pre-surgery velocity, but his command could be another story. He's rostered in under 10% of Yahoo leagues right now.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Justin Verlander to Retire Following the Season
Detroit Tigers veteran right-hander Justin Verlander (hamstring, hip) announced on his X account that he will hang up his cleats and retire following the 2026 season. The 43-year-old former MVP, three-time Cy Young winner, and nine-time All-Star will certainly be in the Hall of Fame down the road, but he has struggled with multiple injuries in 2026 and has only made one start in his return to Detroit. And in his lone start this year, Verlander allowed five earned runs while walking two and striking out just one in 3 2/3 innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He'll be present in Philadelphia for next week's All-Star festivities as a "Legend Pick," but he won't be active while on the 60-day injured list due to a left-hamstring injury that he suffered on June 17 while throwing a bullpen. He was initially placed on the IL on April 4 with hip inflammation. It's unclear when Verlander will make his way back to the Tigers' big-league roster, but if he does, it might be in a bullpen role. He's the current MLB leader in games started (556), wins (266), and strikeouts (3,554). With his career coming to a close, Verlander is rostered in only 3% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Justin Verlander on X
Source: Justin Verlander on X
Tarik Skubal Given 85 Percent Chance of Being Traded
ESPN's Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan list the chances of Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal being traded at this year's deadline at 85%. Many were wondering if Skubal's trade value would tank after he had surgery to remove bone chips from his left elbow, but he returned swiftly and is already hitting 99.9 mph with his fastball, so those concerns have been answered. Considering the hole the Tigers have dug for themselves -- they are 6.5 games back in the American League Central division and five games back of the final AL wild-card spot -- "they are far more likely than not to move Skubal." The two-time AL Cy Young winner (in back-to-back years) is the "dream deadline candidate" as an ace who has the potential to carry a team in the playoffs. But whoever lands Skubal will "pay an enormous price." Despite his elbow setback, the 29-year-old southpaw is still the same elite pitcher who relies on a mid-to-high-90s fastball with one of the best changeups in the league. ESPN lists Skubal's best fits as the Dodgers, Yankees, Braves, Brewers, Blue Jays, and Rays. Through 12 starts and 70 2/3 innings this year, Skubal is 5-4 with a 3.06 ERA (3.13 FIP) and 0.95 WHIP with 84 K's and 10 walks.
Source: ESPN.com - Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN.com - Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan
