Tarik Skubal takes the mound Tuesday night against the Athletics, and the Detroit Tigers ace is tentatively lined up for one more turn before the All-Star break.
Manager A.J. Hinch told MLB Network Radio that Skubal is projected to start Sunday against the Philadelphia Phillies, the final game before the break, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com. Hinch says that Skubal's start could change, all depending on how the Tigers use right-hander Keider Montero.
Montero has become a key part of the Tigers' rotation, providing the team with a reliable arm and length, as well as flexibility in the bullpen. The 25-year-old carries a 3.25 ERA with 59 strikeouts over 92 2/3 innings this season.
Hinch has said that he also plans to talk with Skubal about whether he would even be able to pitch in this year’s All-Star Game if selected.
Skubal is working his way back from elbow surgery in May and has made four starts since returning. Overall, he is 4-4 with a 3.15 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 65 2/3 innings this season. The two-time AL Cy Young Award winner has been limited by the injury layoff, and Detroit has shown no urgency to push him through the rotation at a normal turn.
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Whether Skubal makes his Sunday start or not could also say something about how the Tigers are treating him ahead of the August 3 trade deadline. The Tigers have been climbing back into the playoff race, and the team may be deciding whether to keep Skubal or trade him.
For now, the plan is Sunday. Hinch made it clear that it could still change.
