Detroit’s ace Tarik Skubal faced a challenging start against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday, contributing to the Tigers’ seventh straight loss. The Guardians, taking advantage of the Tigers’ slump, managed to overtake them in the AL Central standings and secure the tiebreaker for the division. This loss highlights the Tigers’ ongoing struggles in a highly competitive division.
The Tigers have now fallen to 54-51 on the season, placing them in a tie for third in the AL Central with the Guardians. The loss also extends the Tigers’ current losing streak, which has spanned 12 games, raising concerns about their playoff chances for the second consecutive season. The Guardians, with a record of 57-49, have moved into a commanding position in the division race.
Skepticism surrounding the Tigers’ performance is growing as they continue to struggle with consistency. Skubal’s performance in this game further adds to the mounting pressure on the team’s pitching staff to provide the necessary support for the offense. With the season quickly approaching its final stretch, the Tigers’ ability to turn their fortunes around will be critical in determining their postseason fate.
Meanwhile, the Guardians are making a strong push for the AL Central crown. The team has been playing consistently well and will likely continue to gain ground on the Tigers in the coming weeks. The outcome of this game and the following matchups could determine the final standings in the highly competitive division.