Tigers Daily Report
September 02, 2026
Executive Summary
The Tigers sit at 63-74, four games behind first place in the AL Central, after getting swept in a back-to-back blowout against Minnesota. Tonight's rematch with the Twins offers another chance to stop the bleeding in a critical stretch.
Top Story
Twins Dominate Again, Tigers Face Elimination Math in September Push
Royce Lewis went 3-for-4 with a three-run homer in a 10-run sixth inning as Minnesota demolished Detroit 15-2 on Tuesday. The Twins have outscored the Tigers 26-3 in the first two games of the three-game series, with Kody Clemens and Ryan Jeffers homering in each contest. The Twins used an opener strategy with Connor Prielipp holding the Tigers scoreless after the first inning. With Detroit's season spiraling and postseason hopes fading rapidly, tonight's game at Target Field represents a must-win situation.
Around the Club
Roster — The Tigers selected infielder John Peck to the roster and recalled right-hander Yilber Díaz, with outfielder Corey Julks optioned to Triple-A. Wenceel Perez was placed on the 10-day injured list after being struck in the face by a plyometric band in a weight room incident Tuesday.
Injuries — Riley Greene remains on the 10-day IL with a right hamstring strain but is expected to return by end of August/early September. Jack Flaherty (15-day IL, right flexor inflammation) could return in September.
Prospects — Hao-Yu Lee hit two of Detroit's three longest home runs of 2026, including 446- and 439-foot drives separated by nine days.
Quick Hits
- Casey Mize is slated to return Wednesday with potential workload restrictions after covering five innings in his lone minor-league rehab start.
- Manager A.J. Hinch said Justin Verlander had progressed to mound-slope work as the Tigers hoped for one final appearance before retirement.
Next Game
Minnesota Twins — Tonight at 7:40 PM ET, Target Field (Minneapolis)
Tigers Daily Report — September 02, 2026