What happened: MLB insider Jon Heyman reports the odds of a Tarik Skubal trade are climbing. Detroit has lost 14 of its last 16 games, sits in last place, and is five games out of the Wild Card race. With five starters on the injured list and Skubal progressing since an elbow scope, the front office faces a pivotal decision.
Why it matters: Skubal is one of the sport's most coveted arms, and Heyman notes the Tigers' chances to extend him are effectively nil. A free-falling club with a thin rotation and a star it can't lock up is the classic profile of a seller. Any move would reshape the trade-deadline market and the Wild Card picture for contenders chasing rotation help.
By the numbers: Per the report: Tigers have lost 14 of their last 16, sit in last place, and are 5 games out of the Wild Card. Five starting pitchers are on the IL. Skubal is progressing in his return from an elbow scope.
What to watch: Watch whether Detroit signals seller intent ahead of the deadline and how Skubal's rehab timeline firms up, which would set his trade value.