Tigers Daily Report
May 21, 2026
Executive Summary
Detroit is 20-29 overall and faces elimination-game pressure as the Tigers resume their home series with Cleveland today, seeking to reverse course after consecutive losses to the Guardians.
Top Story
Verlander Continues Rehab Path, Nearing Return
Justin Verlander completed a four-inning simulated game and may need just one more sim game before Detroit brings him back from the 60-day injured list around the beginning of June, with his fastball velocity sitting around 92-to-93 miles per hour. The 43-year-old righty represents a critical addition to the rotation as the Tigers look to stabilize their pitching staff in the stretch ahead.
Source: MLB.com
Around the Club
-
Injuries — Troy Melton struck out six and allowed one earned run on two hits and no walks over five innings in his rehab start with Single-A Lakeland, with a fastball that sat around 96.5 miles per hour and a 1.54 ERA across four rehab starts. Source: CBS Sports
-
Injuries — Kerry Carpenter was cleared for more baseball activity this week, including defensive work, after crashing into the wall and suffering an AC joint sprain with no structural damage. Source: MLB.com
-
Roster — Tarik Skubal rejoined the team in Detroit for a second mound session at Comerica Park and will remain in Detroit settling into a five-day bullpen routine. Source: MLB.com
Quick Hits
- Spencer Torkelson struggled in May with a .136/.235/.288 batting line and 42.6 percent strikeout rate, and Colt Keith will cover first base while he regroups.
- Jackson Jobe continues to progress in his recovery from Tommy John surgery and isn't expected to be back with Detroit until late this season or the start of 2027.
Next Game
Cleveland Guardians — Thursday, May 21, 1:10 p.m. ET, Comerica Park
Tigers Daily Report — May 21, 2026