The Detroit Tigers are counting on left-hander Tarik Skubal to halt their five-game losing streak when they face the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday. Skubal was briefly placed on the paternity list earlier in the week but is anticipated to start the third game of the four-game series between the two teams leading their divisions.

Detroit’s recent slide contrasts with Toronto’s current momentum, as the Blue Jays have won three consecutive games. Skubal’s presence is crucial as the Tigers seek to reestablish themselves in the American League Central race and defend their sizeable lead over the Cleveland Guardians.

Recent Performance Highlights Skubal’s Value to Tigers

In his last outing on Sunday, Skubal contributed significantly in a narrow 2-1 win over the Texas Rangers, which ended a six-game losing streak for Detroit. Though the lefty received a no-decision, he pitched 6 2/3 innings, striking out 11 batters, while allowing only one run that scored on a wild pitch.

“I expect every time I go out there to put our team in a position to win, and we were able to do that,”

said Tarik Skubal, who has a 0-1 record and a 4.50 ERA against Toronto in two previous starts.

Skubal’s strong 2024 season, marked by a 10-3 record and a 2.19 ERA that contributed to an American League Cy Young Award, makes him a central figure in Detroit’s campaign to reverse their recent slide.

Tigers Manager Views Slump as Normal in Long Season

Despite the losing streak, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch remains calm, attributing the rough patch to the natural ups and downs of a 162-game season. Hinch reflected on his experience managing highly successful teams through similar stretches.

“I’ve managed 100-plus-win teams that have gone through six- and seven- and eight-game losing streaks or lost 12 of 13 one year,”

Hinch explained.

And you don’t think of that because we forget over time there’s going to be a time that we all forget about this.

The Tigers’ lead in the division has narrowed to 7½ games over the Guardians, underscoring the importance of regaining momentum quickly.

Blue Jays Counter with Solid Assurance from Kevin Gausman

Toronto plans to send right-hander Kevin Gausman to the mound against Detroit’s Skubal. Gausman, holding a 7-7 record and a 4.01 ERA this season, recently delivered one of his strongest performances with a seven-inning start against the New York Yankees, allowing just one run and striking out eight in a 4-1 victory.

He was unbelievable, shortstop Bo Bichette said.

“I think that’s what we expect from him, always. He was really hitting his spots. It’s fun to watch him.”

Gausman’s previous starts were shorter, seldom exceeding 5 2/3 innings, but he managed efficient pitch counts during his recent gem. Blue Jays manager John Schneider praised Gausman’s performance.

That’s Kev, Schneider remarked.

“(Pitching coach Pete Walker) and I were joking before the game that we needed a gem from Kevin. He did it.”

Historically, Gausman has a 4-3 record and 3.40 ERA over 13 career starts against Detroit, and his numbers at Detroit’s home ballpark include a 1-2 record with a 2.70 ERA in five appearances.

Blue Jays’ Offensive Strength Bolstered by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

The Blue Jays have been prolific offensively since the All-Star break, scoring 51 runs and going 7-1, which has helped them extend their AL East lead over the Yankees to 5½ games. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been at the forefront of this surge, producing five multi-hit games in the last six contests, including multiple doubles and a home run.

In the first two games of the current series, Guerrero has impressed with five hits, four runs scored, and three RBIs. Schneider emphasized the importance of Guerrero’s consistent contributions.

“Any year, you can look up and Vlad can hit 50 homers or he can hit 20. It’s what we need from him every night,”

Schneider said.

“There’s going to be a time where he’s hitting homers in bunches, and that’s great. Comparing it to other seasons, it’s kind of tough for me because I’ve seen him for so long, and what he’s doing right now doesn’t look wrong.”

Spencer Torkelson Offers Bright Spot Amid Tigers’ Struggles

While the Tigers have faced challenges, Spencer Torkelson has been a rare source of positivity. He has homered in each game of the current series, providing some offensive firepower as Detroit tries to regain its form against the division-leading Blue Jays.

Implications for the American League Central Race

This matchup between the playoff-leading Blue Jays and the struggling Tigers holds significant weight for the AL Central standings. With Detroit’s lead shrinking, a loss could increase pressure and tighten the division race. Conversely, a strong start by Skubal and a win would signal the Tigers’ resilience and help stabilize their position.

Both teams demonstrate contrasting trajectories, with Toronto showing dominance in recent games and Detroit eager to shake off a difficult stretch. The outcome of this series will offer insight into which team can maintain momentum in the crucial midseason months.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. What nationality is Tarik Skubal from?

A. Tarik Daniel Skubal, born on November 20, 1996, plays as a professional baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers in Major League Baseball (MLB).