Tigers Daily Report
June 09, 2026
Executive Summary
The Tigers have won five of their last six games in June, positioning themselves for tonight's home opener against Minnesota as momentum builds around the club's emerging offense and the imminent returns of key injured stars.
Top Story
Skubal's Rehab Success Fuels Return Window; Verlander Close Behind
Tarik Skubal's dominant rehab outing on June 7 with High-A West Michigan saw him carve through five scoreless innings, striking out six while allowing just two hits on 54 pitches. Assuming Skubal came away from Sunday's start with a clean bill of health, his next start could actually be with the Tigers, perhaps as soon as the series in Cleveland against the AL Central-leading Guardians later this week. Meanwhile, Justin Verlander is scheduled to make a second rehab start Wednesday with Triple-A Toledo. He turned in a successful rehab outing on Tuesday, tossing 64 pitches and allowing four hits and no walks while striking out three batters across five scoreless innings. Despite the strong showing, the Tigers have determined that Verlander will require at least one more outing to get stretched out further. If all goes well Wednesday, Verlander could then be reinstated from the 60-day injured list to make a start during the Tigers' three-game series in Houston that begins June 15.
Source: CBS Sports
Around the Club
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Injuries — Casey Mize will now likely need just one rehab start before receiving the green light to rejoin the Detroit rotation. He could be a candidate to start for the Tigers as soon as next Sunday in Cleveland. Kenley Jansen (pelvis) will pitch for Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday. Jansen landed on the 15-day injured list in late May due to pelvic inflammation. He could be reinstated from the IL when eligible June 12.
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Roster — Spencer Torkelson is now up to nine long balls for the season to go along with a .726 OPS, and he seems to be getting back on track in June after mostly struggling through May. Kerry Carpenter recently returned from a three-week absence due to an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder, and has gone 6-for-15 with two homers and five RBI in his four games back.
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Prospect — The Tigers have a ton of infield prospects in the minor leagues who could easily be added to the Major League roster right now, specifically Max Anderson.
Quick Hits
- Torkelson is riding a five-game hitting streak, a span in which he's gone 7-for-16 with two homers and five RBI.
- With Kenley Jansen on the injured list, Vest is Detroit's most experienced healthy reliever, and he should continue to see high-leverage work.
- The Detroit Tigers have made it clear to interested teams in back-to-back AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal that he is currently off limits at the moment, to be traded at this year's deadline.
Next Game
Minnesota Twins — June 09, 6:40 PM ET, Comerica Park
Tigers Daily Report — June 09, 2026