The Detroit Tigers came into 2026 with high hopes after another successful season in 2025. So far, the team has been ice cold to start the year. Sitting two games under .500 at 18-20, it could be worse, but the injuries have been extremely tough. Some of the pitchers that are already on the injury list are: Justin Verlander, Tarik Skubal, Resse Olsen, Troy Melton, Beau Brieske, Connor Seabold, Jackson Jobe, Casey Mize, and Will Vest. All of these pitchers have had huge roles for the Tigers in the past and it makes sense that they are struggling without them.
Some of the hitters that are injured are: Gleyber Torres, Parker Meadows, Javier Baez, Trey Sweeney, and Zach McKinstry. These injuries have been big hits to the lineup in destroy.
Despite all the injuries, there is no reason for the uncompetitive games. Jack Flahrety has been horrendous to start the year. Framber Valdez has been too inconsistent for the injured pitching staff. Bad defense has also been a big part of the loses as well.
Some of the veteran guys need to step up. Spencer Torkleson, Riley Greene, and Kerry Carpenter need to hit for more power for the Tigers to be able to compete better.
The only bright spot for the Tigers so far this year has been Kevin McGonigle who has done a great job at the top of the lineup for the Tigers and has kept them in many games.
Manager A.J. Hinch needs to start to tighten up this team so they can continue to compete at a high level. They need to be back atop the division like they are supposed to be. They have way too much talent to be this underwhelming. IF they don’t start to win some games, their Ace and two-time Cy Young winner Skubal, will be traded sooner rather than later.
