Tarik Skubal cleared for next start, Tigers receive injury update

The Detroit Tigers just dodged what could’ve been a devastating blow to their playoff hopes. Star pitcher Tarik Skubal left his latest start against the Miami Marlins with left side tightness. Fans and analysts held their breath. Thankfully, new updates have eased the tension for the organization. There’s still some caution, but it looks like Skubal will be ready for a crucial late-season start against the Cleveland Guardians.

Tarik Skubal’s Scare Against Miami

In his most recent outing, Skubal lasted just 3.1 innings and gave up four runs before leaving with discomfort in his side. The timing? Couldn’t have been worse. The Tigers are deep in the playoff race with only 12 regular-season games left. If the injury had been serious, Detroit’s postseason push might’ve been in real trouble.

Initial Fears and Early Diagnosis

Skubal’s role as the team’s ace made the scene on the mound especially concerning. Injuries to a pitcher’s side can be bad news, since oblique and intercostal issues sometimes take weeks to heal. But, according to MLB insider Jon Morosi, post-game imaging showed no structural damage to Skubal’s left side. That’s a huge relief for the Tigers.

Cleared for a Crucial Matchup

The diagnosis means Skubal should make his next scheduled start on Thursday, September 18, against the Cleveland Guardians at Comerica Park. This game lands right in the Tigers’ final stretch of the 2025 regular season, so his return is a big morale boost and a tactical win.

Resuming Normal Preparations

Morosi reported that Skubal got back to his standard warm-up routine on Monday, which is a good sign he’s on track to pitch. Of course, the real test will be when he steps on the mound in a real game and throws his next inning under the lights.

A Cy Young-Caliber Season

At just 28, Skubal has turned into one of the most dominant arms in baseball. His 2025 run? Pretty sensational. The numbers say it all:

• Record: 13-5
• ERA: 2.26
• Strikeouts: 224

These stats put him right in the mix for the American League Cy Young Award. His performance has really been the heartbeat of Detroit’s pitching staff, setting the tone every fifth day.

Why Skubal is Irreplaceable

Detroit’s rotation has talent, but no one else brings Skubal’s mix of velocity, command, and ice-cold poise. He shuts down elite lineups and changes the game in a playoff series. Without him, the Tigers’ path to October gets a whole lot trickier.

Looking Ahead: The Guardians Test

The upcoming matchup against Cleveland isn’t just another start. It’s a real test for Skubal’s health and the Tigers’ ability to handle pressure. With the Guardians also fighting for playoff spots, this AL Central clash feels like a postseason preview.

Managing Expectations and Risks

The medical updates sound promising, but Detroit’s coaching staff will keep a close eye on Skubal. Maybe they’ll even go with a slightly lower pitch count until they’re sure he’s in the clear. The Tigers have to juggle the urgency of the playoff race with Skubal’s long-term health—a tough call, honestly.

Final Thoughts

Tarik Skubal’s clean bill of health feels like a huge relief for Tigers fans. His return steadies the rotation and, honestly, brings back some hope that Detroit can actually make a deep postseason run.

Skubal’s pitched at a Cy Young level this year. If he can keep that up for a few more outings, Detroit might not just sneak into the playoffs—they could actually make some real noise in October.

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