Tigers Facing Decision After Tarik Skubal Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Xavier Constantino | Last updated Jul 7, 2026 2:21 PM ET

Tarik Skubal takes the mound Tuesday night against the Athletics, and the Detroit Tigers ace is tentatively lined up for one more turn before the All-Star break.

Manager A.J. Hinch told MLB Network Radio that Skubal is projected to start Sunday against the Philadelphia Phillies , the final game before the break, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com. Hinch says that Skubal's start could change, all depending on how the Tigers use right-hander Keider Montero.

Montero has become a key part of the Tigers' rotation, providing the team with a reliable arm and length, as well as flexibility in the bullpen. The 25-year-old carries a 3.25 ERA with 59 strikeouts over 92 2/3 innings this season.

Tarik Skubal, who starts tonight vs. Athletics, is “tentatively” lined up to pitch Sunday vs. Phillies just before All-Star break, A.J. Hinch told @MLBNetworkRadio. That could change, Hinch said, depending on how they use Keider Montero during the week.
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) July 7, 2026

Hinch has said that he also plans to talk with Skubal about whether he would even be able to pitch in this year’s All-Star Game if selected.

Skubal is working his way back from elbow surgery in May and has made four starts since returning. Overall, he is 4-4 with a 3.15 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 65 2/3 innings this season. The two-time AL Cy Young Award winner has been limited by the injury layoff, and Detroit has shown no urgency to push him through the rotation at a normal turn.

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29)© Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Whether Skubal makes his Sunday start or not could also say something about how the Tigers are treating him ahead of the August 3 trade deadline. The Tigers have been climbing back into the playoff race, and the team may be deciding whether to keep Skubal or trade him.

For now, the plan is Sunday. Hinch made it clear that it could still change.

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

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