Detroit plays its series finale against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday with Tarik Skubal making a start that could be his last with the club. Multiple reports tied the game to intensifying trade speculation as the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline approaches, noting that Skubal could remain in Detroit beyond Monday but that the Tigers also have the option to trade him. One report characterizes the Tigers’ Wednesday action as a potentially historic moment for Skubal, depending on what happens before the deadline.
The pitching start also comes amid additional roster disruption. The Tigers do not have Skubal catching with his usual backstop, Jake Rogers, after Detroit designated Rogers for assignment on Tuesday. With Rogers removed from the catching picture, Skubal’s Wednesday appearance occurs under different lineup conditions than he has typically had.
Across the reports, the common thread is that Skubal’s status is uncertain and the Orioles game serves as the latest context in a week shaped by trade rumors and unexpected changes to Detroit’s roster.
