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Bullpen games become the new normal for the sliding Tigers without Tarik Skubal
TL;DR
The Detroit Tigers are relying on bullpen games as they struggle without pitcher Tarik Skubal, who is sidelined due to elbow surgery. This shift comes after high expectations for the 2026 season following their ALDS appearance last year.
Key points
- Detroit Tigers are facing challenges without Tarik Skubal
- Skubal is undergoing elbow surgery
- The team is implementing bullpen games as a strategy
- Tigers had high expectations for the 2026 season
- They previously reached the ALDS last season
Detroit TigersTarik Skubal
Bullpen games become the new normal for the sliding Tigers without Tarik Skubal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Detroit Tigers had some huge goals for the 2026 season. After making the ALDS last season, they were looking to make the postseason again and go a bit farther.
And at the start of the season, all signs were pointing to doing just that. Tarik Skubal was dealing on the mound, and the offense was doing its job.
However, they received some terrible news at the beginning of the month. Skubal would have to miss some time as he needed to undergo surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow.
MORE:Tigers could deal 'valuable' former Yankees All-Star at trade deadline
Bullpen games become the new normal for the sliding Tigers without Tarik Skubal
Now, the Tigers likely won't be without Skubal for the rest of the season. But they will miss him for a good chunk of the season as he is expected to miss 2-3 months if everything goes well.
Without their ace, the club has looked defeated. They are coming off a week where they were swept by the and lost a series to the over the weekend. With that, takes them from No. 12 to No. 22 in his latest power rankings piece.
Q&A
Why are the Detroit Tigers using bullpen games?
The Tigers are using bullpen games due to the absence of Tarik Skubal, who is recovering from elbow surgery.
What happened to Tarik Skubal?
Tarik Skubal is undergoing surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow, which will keep him out for an unspecified time.
What were the Tigers' goals for the 2026 season?
The Tigers aimed to make the postseason again and improve upon their previous ALDS appearance.
