Tigers Daily Report
May 24, 2026
Executive Summary
The Tigers and Orioles face a doubleheader today starting at 12:35 p.m. ET, making up Saturday's rain-postponed game, with Detroit attempting to halt a losing streak while navigating significant rotation injuries.
Top Story
Melton Nearing Return as Tigers Eye Rotation Help
Troy Melton will accompany the team to Baltimore and potentially start in today's doubleheader, having missed the entire season to date with right elbow inflammation. Melton tossed five innings of one-run ball in a rehab start on May 19, with his fastball averaging 96.5 mph and topping out at 98.1. The Tigers desperately need rotation depth with Tarik Skubal (elbow), Justin Verlander (hip), Reese Olson (shoulder) and Jackson Jobe (elbow) all out with injuries.
Source: MLB.com
Around the Club
Injuries — Burch Smith was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday with right shoulder inflammation after giving up one run in two-thirds of an inning and receiving a cortisone injection to treat the issue. Source: CBS Sports
Roster — Brenan Hanifee was recalled from Triple-A Toledo to fill the open spot in Detroit's bullpen. Source: CBS Sports
Offensive Struggles — The skidding Tigers have dropped seven straight, 10 of 11 and 15 of their last 17 games, entering today's doubleheader at 20-32. Source: CBS Sports
Pending Returns — Tarik Skubal threw a 35-pitch, two-inning bullpen session on May 21 and will throw a more standard bullpen session this weekend in Baltimore before a higher-intensity session next week in Detroit. Source: MLB.com
Quick Hits
- Rookie Hao-Yu Lee has started the last four games with Gleyber Torres (oblique) out since early May.
- Kevin McGonigle went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's 7-4 loss, starting the scoring with his third home run of the season.
- Manager A.J. Hinch said Thursday that Verlander's recovery from hip inflammation is "going a little slower than I think he anticipated or we anticipated".
Next Game
Baltimore Orioles (Split Doubleheader) — Game 1: 12:35 p.m. ET; Game 2: 6:05 p.m. ET, Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Tigers Daily Report — May 24, 2026