Tigers Receive Unfortunate News Before White Sox Game

On Friday, Detroit announced that reliever Kyle Finnegan has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a right adductor strain (via The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen). The move deals a blow to the Tigers’ bullpen at a critical time. Finnegan, who was acquired midseason, had been nothing short of dominant in his 12 appearances for Detroit, facing 49 batters without giving up a run. His ability to handle high-leverage situations made him a crucial piece in the late innings, and his absence now leaves the Tigers with a key hole to fill as the postseason nears.

While Finnegan’s injury is a setback, the Tigers did receive good news on the same day. Outfielder Parker Meadows has been activated from the 10-day injured list after being sidelined since late July with a quad strain.

He was immediately reinserted into the lineup as the starting center fielder. Meadows provides both defensive stability in the outfield and an added spark to the batting order, giving Detroit a boost as they continue their playoff push.

Losing Finnegan at this stage is unfortunate, as his consistency has been vital to Detroit’s success. Still, Meadows’ return helps soften the blow and gives the Tigers a timely lift.

Detroit enters the weekend in control of the AL Central and virtually assured of a postseason berth, with just 21 games left. Friday’s series opener against the last-place White Sox offers an opportunity to extend their division lead and fine-tune ahead of October.

With Skubal leading the rotation and Meadows now back in the lineup, the Tigers are well-positioned to keep momentum on their side. Securing wins in this series could prove decisive in locking down home-field advantage and setting the tone for what they hope will be a deep playoff run.