The Detroit Tigers are heading into the final weekend of the regular season with everything still on the line. Tied with the Cleveland Guardians for first in the American League Central (though Cleveland owns the tiebreaker) and holding just a one-game edge over the Houston Astros for the final Wild Card spot, the margin for error is minimal.
That’s why all eyes have been on Tarik Skubal, the Tigers’ ace, and whether he’ll pitch Sunday in what could be the final and most important game of the regular season.
A.J. Hinch lays it out
Manager A.J. Hinch didn’t leave much room for interpretation when asked about Skubal’s availability.
“It’s pretty clear,” Hinch told reporters before Friday night’s matchup with the Boston Red Sox. “If we need to get into the playoffs, we’re going to pitch Tarik. If we’ve clinched a playoff berth, then we won’t pitch him.”
So, there you have it. The decision comes down to simple math: if the Tigers still need a win to secure October baseball, Skubal will take the ball. If not, he’ll be held back to lead the playoff rotation.
Why it makes sense
It’s a bold, but logical, call by Hinch. Skubal is the best pitcher in baseball right now, and risking him in a game that doesn’t directly impact whether Detroit makes the playoffs would be reckless. Yes, it could mean the Tigers end up opening on the road instead of at Comerica Park, but if you’re a Tigers fan, you’d rather have Skubal fresh for Game 1 of a playoff series than spent in a meaningless finale.
And let’s be honest, just having the chance to send Skubal to the mound in October is a massive advantage. In a short series, an ace like him can swing the entire thing.
Big picture
The message from Hinch is clear: getting in comes first, no matter what it takes. Where the Tigers land in the bracket is secondary. After blowing a massive division lead, just securing a playoff spot would feel like a much-needed reset.
If Skubal has the ball with the season on the line Sunday, it’ll be must-watch baseball. If not, it means Detroit has already punched its ticket. Either way, the Tigers’ ace is going to have the chance to shape this season’s ending.
