Tigers' needs even more apparent after loss to Blue Jays

If the Detroit Tigers had to go on a slump, they arguably picked the best time. Because days before the July 31 trade deadline, their needs have never been more apparent.

The Tigers (60-46) dropped their sixth consecutive game in a 6-1 loss to the AL-leading Toronto Blue Jays (63-42). Since July 9, Detroit is 1-12, the league's worst record. During that span, the offense has scored 33 runs (2.5 runs per game) with two shutouts. Batters are hitting .200 (84-of-421).

On Saturday, the Tigers were 2-of-29 at the plate, with catcher Jake Rogers the only player to record a hit.

The offense squandered another strong start from ace Tarik Skubal, who pitched six shutout innings, allowed five hits and three walks with seven strikeouts.

Detroit's extended slump has demonstrated the team's glaring need for a quality bat in its lineup.

But as awful as the offense has been, a more pressing concern might be adding arms to one of the league's worst bullpens.

Per Baseball Reference, the Tigers are fourth-worst in relief pitching wins above replacement (WAR) at negative-3.5.

In Saturday's loss, Will Vest and Chase Lee allowed all six of the Blue Jays' runs over the final two innings. Over the course of the team's prolonged skid, Tigers relievers have a ghastly 7.72 earned run average (ERA).

Detroit was, at one point this month, 25 games above .500 and holding a staggering 14-game lead in the AL Central.

The Tigers still have a sizable eight-game lead in the division with the Cleveland Guardians (51-52), Kansas City Royals (51-53) and Minnesota Twins (50-53) committed to mediocrity, but for a team that once looked like the AL's crown jewel, the past two-plus weeks have been a sobering wake-up call.

The front office must get busy over the next couple of days to fortify the roster. Otherwise, Detroit's strong start could turn into a mirage.