Detroit Tigers News

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Kerry Carpenter • RF • Tigers

Kerry Carpenter Exits Early with Shoulder Injury

Detroit Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter (shoulder) was forced to make an early exit from Saturday's game against the Kansas City Royals. Carpenter injured his left shoulder when he slammed into the wall attempting to make a play in the first inning. He remained in the game but was ultimately taken out in the third inning due to left shoulder soreness. Before exiting, Carpenter was 1-for-1 during his lone plate appearance on Saturday. Wenceel Perez replaced him in the ballgame and figures to see more starts if Carpenter is forced to miss time. Fantasy managers should consider Carpenter as day-to-day until more information is revealed.

18 hours ago

Casey Mize • SP • Tigers

Casey Mize Throws Bullpen on Friday, Return Not Imminent

Detroit Tigers right-hander Casey Mize (groin) threw a bullpen session on Friday, but he will need to face hitters in a simulated game or go on a minor-league rehab assignment before he rejoins the Tigers' starting rotation, per MLB.com. Mize has been on the 15-day injured list since April 29 due to a mild right-groin strain, and he's not expected to come off the IL until mid-May. The 29-year-old is getting close, but he still has a few boxes left to check. He should have a rotation spot waiting for him in Detroit when he's ready after going 2-2 with a 2.90 ERA (2.87 FIP) and 1.19 WHIP with 35 strikeouts and 11 walks in 31 innings over his first six starts of the 2026 campaign. Mize was a first-time All-Star in 2025 in his fifth year in the majors after the Tigers took him first overall in the 2018 draft out of Auburn. The Tigers could really use Mize back sooner rather than later, with ace Tarik Skubal (elbow) out at least a month or two. Mize's lack of strikeout upside caps his fantasy value, but he can still be a useful back-end rotation arm in the right matchups. He's currently rostered in 42% of Yahoo leagues.

Yesterday

Justin Verlander • SP • Tigers

Justin Verlander to Throw Live Batting Practice on Saturday

Detroit Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander (hip) will throw a live batting practice session on Saturday, according to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. It will be Verlander's first time facing hitters since landing on the 15-day injured list in early April with left-hip inflammation. It's a positive step for the 43-year-old veteran, but there's still no specific timetable for his return, and we wouldn't be surprised if he's not back with the Tigers until the calendar flips to May. In his lone start in his return to Motown in 2026 against the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 30, Verlander struggled, allowing five earned runs on six hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out only one in 3 2/3 innings. Durability is a major question for the future Hall of Famer and three-time Cy Young winner as he nears the end of his outstanding career, although he did make 29 starts with the San Francisco Giants a year ago. In addition to injury issues, Verlander is no longer the dominant strikeout artist he once was, and he's only rostered in 5% of Yahoo leagues.

Yesterday

Max Clark • CF • Tigers

Is Max Clark Still Worth Stashing Amid Triple-A Skid?

Detroit Tigers outfield prospect Max Clark has hit a bit of a skid at Triple-A, which could slightly delay his MLB debut. Over his last 13 games, the team's top-ranked prospect has posted a modest .140/.232/.160 line with a low .392 OPS. During this stretch, Clark has yet to go deep while swiping three bags with an 11:6 K:BB. However, over his first 19 games of the campaign, Clark looked like a completely different hitter, posting an elite .351/.416/.519 line with a stellar .935 OPS. He launched one home run while adding eight doubles, six stolen bases, and a strong 10:10 K:BB. Last season, Clark spent most of his time with High-A before moving up to Double-A in the second half. While Clark's track record at Triple-A is not overly lengthy, a hot stretch could push him to the majors ahead of the All-Star break.

2 days ago

Max Clark • CF • Tigers

Max Clark's Elite Speed Pushing Him Closer to MLB Debut

Detroit Tigers outfield prospect Max Clark has been hitting the ball well ever since his promotion to Triple-A, and his top-tier run tool could get him to the majors sooner rather than later. The former No. 3 pick is a four-tool prospect, with power grading out as his only average trait. At Triple-A this year, he's slashing .276/.355/.390 with one home run, nine steals, an 11.3% walk rate, a 14.9% strikeout rate, and 102 wRC+. He's been a steal and on-base threat at every level, and he also tapped into a little more power last year with 14 homers. Between the elite draft capital, an impressive statistical track record, and a well-rounded set of skills, Clark's MLB debut seems to be a matter of "when" and not "if." We fully expect him to get the call at some point this season, and while we know the Tigers won't rush his development, they could also benefit from his presence in the majors. Clark is a must-stash prospect in fantasy baseball ahead of his anticipated promotion.

3 days ago

Tarik Skubal • SP • Tigers

Tarik Skubal Could Return in 4-6 Weeks After Successful Elbow Surgery

Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal's left-elbow surgery was such a success on Wednesday that he could start working out within days, and a two-month timetable is even seen as a conservative estimate for the two-time Cy Young winner to return, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Skubal returning in four to six weeks is now possible after he had one relatively small loose body removed from his elbow. The 29-year-old All-Star had arthroscopic surgery with Dr. Neal ElAttrache. We should have a more concrete timetable for when Skubal might rejoin Detroit's starting rotation once he resumes a throwing program, but this is great news all around for the Tigers and fantasy managers. Even though Skubal will miss over a month after going under the knife, he must be stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy baseball leagues. Skubal wasn't striking out batters at an elite rate in his first seven starts of 2026, but he still had a nice 2.70 ERA and 0.95 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and only six walks in 43 1/3 innings pitched.

3 days ago

Jack Flaherty • SP • Tigers

Jack Flaherty Punches Out 10, Takes Tough-Luck Loss to Red Sox

Detroit Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty struck out a season-high 10 batters on Wednesday night against the visiting Boston Red Sox, but he was still handed his third loss of the season in the team's 4-0 shutout loss at Comerica Park. Flaherty went five innings, allowing four runs (two earned) on three hits while also walking just one. The 30-year-old veteran is winless on the campaign so far, but his outing on Wednesday evening was an encouraging one after he allowed 10 earned runs in 5 2/3 innings in his previous two starts versus the Cincinnati Reds and Texas Rangers. Flaherty now holds a 5.56 ERA (5.32 FIP) and 1.65 WHIP with 42 strikeouts and a league-high 26 walks in 34 innings pitched across his eight starts to begin the 2026 season. He also leads the league with five hit-by-pitches, so clearly, control has been an issue for Flaherty early on. He'll be in play as a streaming option for fantasy managers his next time out against the struggling New York Mets.

3 days ago

Framber Valdez • SP • Tigers

Framber Valdez's Suspension Reduced to Five Games

Detroit Tigers left-hander Framber Valdez's six-game suspension has been reduced to five games, according to the team. MLB.com's Jason Beck reports that Valdez will begin serving his suspension in Wednesday's series finale against the Boston Red Sox. The 32-year-old southpaw allowed back-to-back home runs during his outing on Tuesday against Boston before hitting shortstop Trevor Story, which caused both benches to clear. No punches were thrown, but the Dominican hurler was ejected for his actions and will now be suspended for the next five games. He will be eligible to make his next start in New York against the Mets on May 13, where he should be in starting fantasy lineups despite his disappointing start to his Tigers tenure. The two-time All-Star has gone 2-2 through his first eight starts in 2026 with a 4.57 ERA (4.34 FIP) and 1.41 WHIP with 35 strikeouts and 15 walks in 43 1/3 innings pitched. The Mets have the worst team OPS (.629) in all of baseball, so it will be a good spot for Valdez to bounce back.

3 days ago

Gleyber Torres • 2B • Tigers

Tigers Put Gleyber Torres on Injured List With Oblique Strain

The Detroit Tigers placed second baseman Gleyber Torres (oblique) on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with a mild left-oblique strain, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com. In a corresponding move, the Tigers recalled infielder Jace Jung from Triple-A Toledo. Infielder Zach McKinstry is making the start at the keystone for Detroit and will bat seventh in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the visiting Boston Red Sox and right-hander Sonny Gray, who is making his first start off the IL. Torres missed the last three games with what the Tigers were calling left-side tightness, and now he'll miss a little bit more time with an oblique strain. He will be eligible to return from the IL on May 14. Until Torres can return, both McKinstry and Hao-Yu Lee will be the primary options to replace him at second base. The 29-year-old is currently rostered in 62% of Yahoo leagues and won't be a must-hold while he recovers in shallow mixed leagues. Torres has hit a mediocre .259 (30-for-116) so far in 2026 with two homers, 11 RBI, and 18 runs scored.

3 days ago

Framber Valdez • SP • Tigers

Framber Valdez Suspended Six Games

Detroit Tigers left-hander Framber Valdez has been suspended six games by the league and fined after throwing at Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story on Tuesday night, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Valdez gave up back-to-back home runs to Willson Contreras and Wilyer Abreu in the fourth inning on Tuesday night and then hit Story, which caused both benches to clear. The 32-year-old southpaw was ejected from the contest in what continued a frustrating start to his Tigers tenure. The two-time All-Star is now 2-2 with a 4.57 ERA (4.34 FIP) and 1.41 WHIP with 35 strikeouts and 15 walks in 43 1/3 innings pitched across his eight starts. Valdez will likely appeal the suspension, which should allow him to make his next start, but if the suspension holds, he'll be forced to miss a turn through the starting rotation. The Tigers need Valdez to be better going forward after losing star left-hander Tarik Skubal (elbow) for at least several months, if not longer.

3 days ago

Gleyber Torres • 2B • Tigers

Gleyber Torres Remains Sidelined on Monday

Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres (side) is not in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Boston Red Sox. Rookie second baseman Hao-Yu Lee will start in his absence, batting seventh. Torres has been sidelined ever since exiting early on Saturday, when he was diagnosed with left side tightness. His power has taken a step back this year, but he's still slashing .259/.389/.328 with two homers, two doubles, and 11 RBI. He also owns a 17.4% walk rate. Because of his ability to get on base, managers will hope that Torres' absence doesn't last long. The good news is that the Tigers haven't placed him on the injured list, so he shouldn't miss too much additional time. UPDATE: Torres is available off the bench on Monday, so he should be able to avoid a stint on the IL.

6 days ago

Tyler Holton • RP • Tigers |

Ty Madden • SP • Tigers

Tyler Holton Opening Monday's Game, Ty Madden Also Called Up to Pitch

Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Tyler Holton will serve as the opener for Monday's game against the Boston Red Sox, according to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. It will be the second day in a row where Holton opens the game on the mound for the Tigers. This time, he's filling in for Tarik Skubal (elbow), who was a late scratch and will ultimately undergo surgery for loose bodies in his elbow. Holton went two-thirds of an inning on Sunday, tallying one strikeout and one hit. He has been one of baseball's top multi-inning relievers in years past, but he's been roughed up to the tune of a 5.27 ERA so far in 2026. With Skubal landing on the injured list, Detroit called up right-hander Ty Madden, who could enter the game after Holton is done. Madden last pitched in the majors in 2024, and he missed all of last season due to a shoulder injury. Through 21 Triple-A innings this year, he has posted a 4.71 ERA with 9.0 K/9 and 5.1 BB/9.

6 days ago

Tarik Skubal • SP • Tigers

Tarik Skubal to Undergo Elbow Surgery

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (elbow) will undergo surgery for loose bodies in his left elbow, according to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Skubal was already scratched from his scheduled start against the Boston Red Sox on Monday, and while initial reports indicated that it was a precautionary move and he would be okay, that no longer appears to be the case. Detroit's ace will land on the injured list while he recovers, and Petzold reports there's no timetable for his return. This is a brutal loss for the Tigers, who always have a chance to win whenever Skubal is on the mound. He has been dominant once again this season, posting a stellar 2.16 FIP with 9.35 K/9, 1.25 BB/9, and 0.49 HR/9 across seven starts. The organization has not yet announced who will start in his absence on Monday, but it's worth noting that the Tigers will have an open 26-man roster spot when Skubal is officially placed on the IL.

6 days ago

Kenley Jansen • RP • Tigers

Kenley Jansen Was Available on Sunday Despite Groin Issue

Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said that he was going to use right-handed closer Kenley Jansen (groin) in Sunday's win over the Texas Rangers if the game had stayed close, according to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News. It's a good sign that Jansen is healthy and back in the mix for saves after dealing with right-groin/abdomen tightness earlier last week. All signs point to Jansen being an option for the ninth inning for Monday's series opener against his former team, the Boston Red Sox. The 38-year-old veteran and four-time All-Star has six saves on the year in his first season with Detroit, but it hasn't exactly been pretty. Jansen goes into the new week with an 0-2 record, 6.14 ERA (7.65 FIP), and 1.64 WHIP with nine strikeouts and four walks in 7 1/3 innings pitched. He's been especially rough of late, allowing four runs on three hits (two homers) while walking one and striking out one in two-thirds of an inning in his last two outings. If Jansen continues to struggle or deal with physical issues, right-hander Kyle Finnegan is likely next in line for the Tigers for saves.

6 days ago

Max Clark • CF • Tigers

Max Clark Hits Brief Skid at Triple-A Toledo, Still Holding Elite Stash Value?

Detroit Tigers outfield prospect Max Clark has been swinging a cold bat at Triple-A over the last two weeks, but still holds a high-end stash value among the top hitting prospects. Over his last 11 games with Triple-A Toledo, Clark has held a .140/.229/.163 line with just one extra-base hit (one double) and a 12:5 K:BB. However, before hitting this slump, Clark was off to an impressive start with the top club at the Detroit system (17 games), posting a .377/.444/.565 line with a 1.010 OPS, eight doubles, one home run, and six stolen bases. During this stretch, Clark drew 10 walks while only striking out six times. Fantasy managers should continue to view Clark as an elite hitting prospect to stash, as he should remain in the mix to debut later in the first half of the season.

6 days ago

Gleyber Torres • 2B • Tigers

Gleyber Torres Exits Due to Left Side Tightness

Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres (side) exited after the third inning of Saturday's game against the Texas Rangers. He was diagnosed with left side tightness, and he will undergo further evaluation. Torres' final at-bat came in the second inning, but he played the entire third inning on defense before being lifted for Hao-Yu Lee. At the time of his departure, the veteran infielder had gone 2-for-2 with a pair of singles and an RBI. In total this season, he's slashing .259/.389/.328 with two homers, two doubles, and 11 RBI. The power isn't very prominent, but he's been an on-base machine with more walks (17.4% walk rate) than strikeouts (15.3% strikeout rate). Torres currently ranks #19 among second basemen in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.

7 days ago

Kenley Jansen • RP • Tigers

Kenley Jansen is Day-to-Day with Groin Injury

Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (groin) is considered day-to-day after picking up an injury during his most recent outing on Wednesday. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch confirmed on Saturday that Jansen is sidelined at the moment with right groin/abdomen soreness. It doesn't sound like something that will require a trip to the Injured List, but that'll depend on how he progresses. Kyle Finnegan picked up the save on Thursday. He's likely the favorite to get saves in Detroit with Will Vest (forearm) landing on the 15-day Injured List on Saturday. Fantasy managers who are looking for a source for saves should consider adding Finnegan while Jansen is out.

7 days ago

Spencer Torkelson • 1B • Tigers

Spencer Torkelson Heating Up, Emerging as a Power Bat to Target on the Waiver Wire

Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson got off to a brutal start to the 2026 season, failing to hit a home run through his first 86 plate appearances of the year. However, the 26-year-old burst out of his early-season power outage in a big way, going deep in five consecutive games from April 22 to April 26. Across 124 plate appearances overall, Torkelson is hitting .233/.363/.437 with five home runs, 12 RBI, and 12 runs scored. While Torkelson's 27.4% strikeout rate limits his batting average upside, his 14.5% barrel rate is indicative of his significant power potential. Torkelson has also walked at a 16.1% clip so far this year, which should help keep his place in the Tigers' lineup secure. For fantasy managers searching for power off the waiver wire, Torkelson is a logical target.

May 2

Kyle Finnegan • RP • Tigers

Kyle Finnegan in Line for More Save Chances in Detroit?

Detroit Tigers reliever Kyle Finnegan is off to an excellent start to the 2026 season, pitching to a 0.57 ERA and 1.21 WHIP with 12 strikeouts across 15 2/3 innings. The 34-year-old also earned his first save of the season on Thursday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning in Detroit's 5-2 win over the Atlanta Braves. Veteran Kenley Jansen has been the primary closer in Detroit for most of the year. However, Jansen has struggled of late, blowing two consecutive save chances while allowing two home runs and four earned runs. Should the Tigers look to go in a different direction, Finnegan would be a logical choice. Finnegan recorded 66 saves over two years with the Washington Nationals in 2023-2024 and has 113 career MLB saves to his name. The Tigers may simply be giving Jansen a breather before turning back to him, but Finnegan could be worth targeting on the waiver wire in deeper leagues.

May 2

Justin Verlander • SP • Tigers

Justin Verlander to Throw Another Bullpen, Still Not "Asymptomatic"

Detroit Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander (hip) will throw another bullpen session in his rehab, and he's taking steps forward, but he's still not "asymptomatic," according to Evan Woodbery of MLive Media Group. There has been no talk of sending Verlander on a minor-league rehab assignment. The 43-year-old's body just isn't responding the way he'd like it to as he nears the end of his outstanding and likely Hall of Fame career. Verlander doesn't seem much closer to returning from the 15-day injured list. He missed all of April and doesn't have a clear path to a speedy recovery. The former MVP, three-time Cy Young winner, and nine-time All-Star is clearly running out of steam and has had a tough time staying healthy in recent years. In his lone start in 2026 against the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 30, he allowed five earned runs on six hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out only one in 3 2/3 innings. Verlander is now rostered in just 5% of Yahoo leagues.

May 1

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