Tigers continue to catch fire without ace Tarik Skubal

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Troy Melton (52). IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Tigers continue to catch fire without ace Tarik Skubal

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Aug 13, 2026 9:00 PM ET

The Detroit Tigers own a 6-3 record since trading back-to-back AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal and have surprisingly put on a dominant performance.

Who would have thought that the Tigers would go on a hot streak following the departure of their left-handed ace?

They have recorded six shutouts across a 14-game span as they have battled back into a final wild-card spot, reminiscent of the late postseason push they made made in 2024.

The post-Skubal surge has made the Tigers an exciting team to watch and while many expected the Tigers performance to slip once both Skubal and Casey Mize were dealt, they have been on an impressive run.

Skubal gone. Tigers getting better?!

Baseball is a weird sport. https://t.co/zkDXeX8vEN
— Brett Windisch (@SkippsviewBrett) August 13, 2026

Tigers' collective team effort has helped them stand tall

In addition to the offense catching fire, their rotation has also been a reason why they have been able to battle in a tight AL wild-card race. Troy Melton has successfully anchored the Tigers rotation since Skubal left and he is turning into the Tigers' next ace.

Keider Montero also has been a reliable force on the mound. In his latest gem, he pitched 6 1/3 innings and allowed three hits and one walk while picking up the win in a 3-0 shutout of the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday. Additionally, Jackson Jobe's long-awaited debut against San Francisco last Saturday was a huge win for the Tigers as he provided a scoreless performance, yielding one hit over five innings.

The Tigers have demonstrated how their success has been a collective team effort and their pitching depth has stepped up when it matters.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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