Tigers Daily Report
May 23, 2026
Executive Summary
The Tigers continue their road struggles in Baltimore, facing the Orioles at Camden Yards with ace Framber Valdez on the mound. Detroit enters today at 20-31, seeking to snap a losing streak while managing an injury-ravaged rotation as key arms inch closer to returning.
Top Story
Valdez Takes Mound as Tigers Battle to Stop Skid in Baltimore
Framber Valdez (2-3, 4.58 ERA) starts for the Tigers against Brandon Young (3-1, 4.25 ERA) on Saturday at 4:05 p.m. EDT at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Detroit has been dismal on the road this season, posting just a 7-19 record away from Comerica Park—the lowest mark in MLB. Kevin McGonigle leads the Tigers offense with a .285 average, 12 doubles, and an impressive .393 on-base percentage that ranks ninth in the majors among qualified hitters. The Tigers desperately need to right the ship after being swept by Cleveland earlier this week.
Source: MLB.com
Around the Club
Injuries — Troy Melton Eligible to Return Sunday
Troy Melton, out all year with right elbow inflammation, will be eligible to come off the injured list Sunday in Baltimore after throwing a bullpen session before Thursday's game. Tarik Skubal threw a 35-pitch, two-inning bullpen session May 21 and will throw a more standard bullpen session this weekend in Baltimore before a higher-intensity session next week in Detroit.
Injuries — Verlander's Rehab Progresses Slowly
Manager A.J. Hinch said Verlander's hip recovery is "inching forward more than sprinting forward" after completing a four-inning simulated game, with the veteran not yet ready to face major-league hitters.
Roster — McGonigle Continues Hot Start
Riley Greene leads the Tigers with 60 hits, a .419 on-base percentage, and .470 slugging percentage while batting .324—his average ranks third in the majors among qualified players.
Roster — Torkelson Struggles Continue
Torkelson homered in Tuesday's loss to Cleveland but has struggled in May with a .136/.235/.288 batting line and 42.6 percent strikeout rate, with Colt Keith covering first base while he regroups.
Quick Hits
- Troy Melton tossed five innings of one-run ball in a rehab start May 19 for Single-A Lakeland with his fastball averaging 96.5 mph, topping out at 98.1.
- After giving up 10 runs in his first 11.1 innings, relief pitcher Anderson has posted a 1.77 ERA over his last nine appearances (20.1 innings).
- Paul DeJong is undergoing season-ending hamstring surgery after being placed on the full-season injured list with Triple-A Toledo.
Next Game
Baltimore Orioles — Saturday, May 23 at 4:05 PM ET, Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Tigers Daily Report — May 23, 2026