Detroit Tigers, Game 51: One thing I loved, one thing I didn't
The News' Tony Paul gives his quick takes on the Tigers' game against the Guardians on Thursday.
The News' Tony Paul gives his quick takes on the Tigers' 3-1 loss to the Guardians on Thursday: One thing I loved Help is on the way, at least in the starting rotation. Troy Melton, who had big expectations for 2026 after a really good rookie season, could finally make his season debut as early as Sunday , as he's recovered from right elbow inflammation. And Tigers ace Tarik Skubal appears well ahead of schedule in his recovery less than three weeks after arthroscopic left elbow surgery , already reporting 100% velocity during a bullpen before Thursday's game.
Melton (sooner), Skubal (later) and Justin Verlander ( still TBD, with hip inflammation ) are itching to rejoin a Tigers rotation that's been piecemeal for most of May, but now has had Casey Mize back for two starts, both good ones. Tarik Skubal throwing a bullpen at Comerica Park šš @jonmorosi | #MLBCentral pic. twitter.
com/5cukOC1NVW ā MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) May 21, 2026 One thing I didn't It might already be too late. The Tigers, swept in four games by the Guardians on Thursday, now are 11 games under . 500 (20-31) for the first time since Sept.
23, 2023. Assuming they'd need to win at least 85 games to make the playoffs, the Tigers would need to go 19 games over . 500 from this point ā a tall task when using simple math, and especially daunting when you factor in the "feel" factor.