Tigers to Activate Tarik Skubal Saturday, Casey Mize Expected Sunday

The Detroit Tigers are getting a major boost to their rotation this weekend with the return of two key starters. Manager A.J. Hinch announced that two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal will start Saturday against the Cleveland Guardians. Right-hander Casey Mize is also expected to return Sunday after completing a final bullpen session.

Skubal’s return is especially notable given the speed of his recovery. In early May, the Tigers announced he needed arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow. He made one rehab start for the High-A Lakeland Flying Tigers, pitching five shutout innings with six strikeouts. Skubal used an experimental “NanoNeedle” procedure, which allowed him to return in just under five weeks.

Blake Snell, who had the same procedure about a week and a half later, is also on a fast track back. Snell began a throwing program less than three weeks after his surgery. Skubal was on pace for a third consecutive Cy Young-caliber season before the injury, with a 2.70 ERA, 27.1% strikeout rate, and career-best 3.6% walk rate.

Casey Mize’s return is equally significant. The former No. 1 overall pick has been dominant this season, posting a 2.27 ERA in 47 2/3 innings over nine starts. His 26.5% strikeout rate and 12.8% swinging-strike rate are both career highs. Mize has shifted to a four-seamer/slider/splitter mix with strong results.

Mize’s return would push rookie Troy Melton back to a sixth-man role. Melton has been impressive in four starts with a 2.81 ERA, including a seven-inning one-run game against the White Sox and an eight-inning two-run effort against the Rays. His 13.7% strikeout rate has drawn some skepticism, but he’s fanned 20% of hitters in his last two outings.

A six-man rotation appears likely, with Skubal, Mize, Melton, Framber Valdez, Jack Flaherty and Keider Montero all in contention. Justin Verlander’s return from a hip injury later this month could create another roster decision. The Tigers are currently 12 games under .500 but have won six of their last eight games. They sit just 5.5 games back of a Wild Card spot and have a favorable schedule ahead, including three games in Cleveland and a set against the White Sox.