Tigers Daily Report
June 12, 2026
Executive Summary
Tarik Skubal will start Saturday against the Cleveland Guardians, returning to the Tigers less than six weeks after elbow surgery, marking a significant boost to Detroit's pitching staff as the team looks to sustain its June hot streak heading into a crucial divisional series.
Top Story
Skubal's Triumphant Return Looms as Tigers Prepare for Guardians
Reigning back-to-back Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal will return to the Detroit Tigers on Saturday to start against the Cleveland Guardians, following an encouraging rehab assignment. Skubal made one rehab start, allowing two hits over five shutout innings for Detroit's High-A affiliate Sunday, and if the Tigers are satisfied with his bullpen session Wednesday, it could be the final hurdle in his recovery from left elbow surgery. Manager A.J. Hinch called Skubal "the best pitcher in baseball" and said "It's hard to describe what that boost will be" as the ace returns to a Tigers rotation that has struggled in his absence.
Source: ESPN
Around the Club
Pitching — Casey Mize will start June 14 at Cleveland barring a setback, manager A.J. Hinch announced, giving the Tigers consecutive days with returning aces in a crucial stretch. Source: MLB.com
Injuries — Justin Verlander allowed four runs, all on solo homers, on five hits in six innings in his second rehab start with Triple-A Toledo on June 10, continuing his path back from hip inflammation. Source: MLB.com
Offense — After batting just .140 over his final 12 games of May, catcher Dillon Dingler has sizzled at the plate since the calendar flipped to June, slashing .393/.438/1.000 with five home runs, 14 RBI and nine runs through Detroit's strong early-month performance. Source: CBS Sports
Quick Hits
- The Tigers face the Cleveland Guardians at 7:10 PM ET on June 12, opening a crucial AL Central series that could define their trajectory heading into the trade deadline.
- The Tigers lead the majors in blown leads with 21, a recurring problem even amid their June resurgence.
- Rookie Kevin McGonigle has 42 walks this season in 65 games versus only 38 strikeouts, with his .394 on-base percentage reflecting his patient approach at the top of the order.
Next Game
Cleveland Guardians — June 12, 7:10 PM ET, Progressive Field
Tigers Daily Report — June 12, 2026