MLB Rumors: Detroit Tigers’ Injured Pitching Rotation Paves The Way For Mets Stars

Detroit Tigers (Image Credits: Imagn)

MLB Rumors: Detroit Tigers’ Injured Pitching Rotation Paves The Way For Mets Stars

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Heena Singh | Last updated May 7, 2026 11:45 AM ET

The Detroit Tigers took a horrendous hit at the worst possible time. Ace Tarik Skubal is expected to miss multiple months with an elbow injury. This leaves a huge hole atop a rotation that was carrying Detroit through a tightly packed AL Central race.

That changes everything for a Tigers team sitting at 18-18 and tied for first place entering May 2026. Skubal was the back-to-back AL Cy Young winner and the tone-setter for Detroit’s playoff push. Naturally, the focus shifts to the trade market.

Per MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand, the Detroit Tigers could target several notable names if contenders begin selling. One possible fit is Sonny Gray if the Boston Red Sox fall further behind in the playoff race. Feinsand wrote,

“If the Mets continue to falter, Freddy Peralta — a free agent at the end of the season — could be an interesting option. The same goes for Clay Holmes, who has a $12 million player option for 2027 that he will likely decline based on the way his season is trending.”

How will Skubal's elbow surgery impact Tigers, free agency? https://t.co/K04mF0jDXB
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) May 5, 2026

Feinsand also linked the Detroit Tigers to potential New York Mets arms like Freddy Peralta and Clay Holmes if NY slips in the standings. Detroit must survive now, reinforce quickly, and keep the division within reach before the season starts drifting away.

Detroit Tigers Take Swift Action After Alleged Policy Violation Emerges

The Detroit Tigers made a surprising move this week, abruptly firing Triple-A Toledo manager Gabe Alvarez during the middle of the season. The organization initially cited only a violation of team policy.

According to “The Athletic,” Alvarez was dismissed after an internal investigation into an inappropriate text message sent to a female employee. The exact message was not revealed, though reports suggested it carried sexual content.

A general view of a Detroit Tigers cap (Image Credits: Imagn)

Alvarez later addressed the situation through ESPN, calling the message a failed joke and saying he immediately realized it crossed a line. The move also underscores Ilitch Sports + Entertainment’s strict harassment policy, which previously led to another front-office dismissal in 2025.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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