The Tigers had four players in the spotlight at the 2026 MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia, with Kevin McGonigle, Dillon Dingler, Riley Greene and Justin Verlander all representing Detroit at Citizens Bank Park.
Greene got the biggest early stage. He opened in the American League lineup as an injury replacement and hit eighth, then came up in the first inning and struck out swinging on an 88-mph change-up from National League starter Cristopher Sancez of the Phillies.
He left two runners on and closed out the inning with the AL ahead, 3-0. Greene struck out again to start the fourth, this time against Jesus Lazardo of the Philadelphia Phillies in another left-on-left matchup.
That gave him five strikeouts in seven career All-Star at-bats. He was lifted from left field by Randy Arozarena of the Seattle Mariners in the bottom of the fifth.
The 25-year-old Greene is now a three-time All-Star, and he’s the first Tigers outfielder to make three straight All-Star Games since Al Kaline more than a half-century ago.
Dingler entered as a reserve, even though his season had put him in the conversation to start behind the plate for the AL. He came in for starter Shea Langeliers of the Athletics in the bottom of the fourth and got his first All-Star at-bat in the top of the fifth. The 27-year-old struck out swinging on a change-up from Washington Nationals left-hander Foster Griffin.
McGonigle’s night carried a different kind of buzz. The 21-year-old reserve was playing back home in Philadelphia, and he replaced starting shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals in the bottom of the fifth.
When he led off the sixth, the crowd gave him a warm ovation, including 35 family and friends in the stands. McGonigle then grounded out to second base against Raisel Iglesias of the Atlanta Braves.
Verlander’s role was more ceremonial, but no less notable. The 43-year-old was making his 10th and final All-Star Game after being selected as a legend’s pick by commissioner Rob Manfred ahead of his retirement at season’s end.
Verlander, who has been on the injured list, did not pitch for the AL. He addressed the American League All-Stars before the game and was featured early and often on the Fox broadcast.
In Other News...
Tigers Fans Just Got The Trade Rumor They Were Dreading
With the trade deadline approaching, the Braves are already signaling they plan to be busy, and general manager Alex Anthopoulos has made it clear Atlanta expects to be in the market. For Tigers fans, that matters because Detroit ace Tarik Skubal has started to surface in the rumor mill as a possible fit for a contender looking to upgrade its rotation for the stretch run.
CBS Sports and USA Today have both linked Skubal to the conversation, with USA Today pointing to the Dodgers, Yankees, Blue Jays and Padres among the other clubs in the mix. Nothing has been confirmed, but any real push for Skubal would be the kind of move that changes the entire tenor of Detroits deadline, both in terms of what the Tigers might be asked to give up and what kind of return they could demand. [Read more 🡒]
Tigers Just Sent A Stunning Message On Tarik Skubal's Price
The Tigers are already being viewed as a team to watch at the 2026 trade deadline, and Tarik Skubal sits at the center of that conversation. With the left-hander potentially moving before he reaches free agency, Detroit is in position to ask for a return that matches the value of one of the sports premier arms, which is exactly why rival clubs are paying close attention to how the front office handles the situation.
Scott Harris has made it clear the bar is extremely high, and that alone tells you where this is headed. Even with the deadline still in the distance, the Tigers are signaling they will not move Skubal unless the package is substantial enough to reshape the organization, which leaves the rest of the league wondering whether anyone will actually be willing to meet that price. [Read more 🡒]
Scott Harris May Be Near A Risky Tigers Extension Call
The Reds new deal with Chase Burns is the kind of contract that can make front offices around the league stop and take notice, and it gives a useful reference point for teams trying to lock up young pitching before the price climbs any higher. For the Tigers, it arrives at an interesting moment, with Scott Harris still weighing how aggressively to push his roster-building and how much room he has to maneuver before the offseason.
Troy Melton has given Detroit plenty to think about since coming back from injury, showing the kind of performance that can change the conversation fast. The question is whether the Tigers are willing to act now, with payroll constraints in the background and the possibility of structuring an extension in a way that delays the real financial hit until later. [Read more 🡒]