Don’t Sleep on Detroit’s Rotation. They’re Built for October Runs

The Tigers have built their first-place season on the strength of their starting pitching. Tarik Skubal leads the way, and he’s looked every bit like a Cy Young candidate again. He went into the break with a 3.17 ERA and an AL-best 107 strikeouts to just eight walks over his last 13 starts. He threw a complete-game shutout in late June and was named the All-Star Game starter in Atlanta. When he pitches, the Tigers usually win.

Casey Mize has been one of the biggest surprises. Coming off injury, he’s re-established himself as a reliable No. 2. He’s 9–2 with a 2.63 ERA and earned a late All-Star nod as a replacement. He had a minor setback in June with cramping but bounced back without missing a beat.

Reese Olson might be the quietest part of this group, but he’s been just as important. His ERA sits in the mid-3s, and he’s kept hitters off balance with a tough sinker-changeup mix. He’s gone at least six innings in five of his last seven starts.

Jack Flaherty has had his ups and downs but still gives the Tigers a solid veteran presence. The strikeouts are there, and he’s given them quality outings more often than not. His biggest issue has been pitch count — and control in late innings.

The fifth spot has been a bit of a shuffle, but there’s depth behind the main four. Jackson Jobe has gotten looks and could be a second-half weapon if his innings are managed right.

This group has been steady, durable, and flat-out effective. It’s hard to imagine the Tigers sitting in first place without them.