The Tigers head into the second half with the injury picture still very much in focus. Detroit is 44-52, sitting 6.5 games behind in the A.L. Central and 3.5 games out of a wild-card spot, and the club’s ability to get healthy could shape whatever push it can make down the stretch.
At the All-Star break, four Tigers were in Philadelphia: Riley Greene started in left field, Kevin McGonigle and Dillon Dingler were reserves, and Justin Verlander was selected as a Commissioner's Legend pick.
Here’s where the injured Tigers stand, according to MLB.com:
Will Vest was put on the 15-day injured list on July 1 with right posterior elbow inflammation, but the issue was later identified as a stress fracture. Surgery won’t be needed, and Vest is expected to pitch again this season.
Brant Hurter, who had been a steady bullpen option with a 2.84 ERA, has been out since May 29 with lumbar spine inflammation. He threw a bullpen session on July 10 and will keep throwing during the All-Star break. His return remains TBD.
Justin Verlander was nearing a comeback in mid-June before a hamstring strain in a bullpen session interrupted that plan. He got back on the mound on July 9, but there’s still no clear timeline for his return.
Jackson Jobe is working back from Tommy John surgery in June 2025. He made his first rehab start on July 7 and hit 100 mph. An August return appears to be the target for the 23-year-old.
Burch Smith also threw a bullpen session on July 10 and will continue throwing through the break. He’s dealing with right shoulder inflammation, and a mid-to-late August return is possible.
Bailey Horn had a hydrodissection procedure on June 10 to deal with lingering elbow soreness, and there hasn’t been a recent update on his status.
Reese Olson is coming back from right shoulder surgery and is expected to miss the rest of the year.
Gleyber Torres began a rehab assignment with the FCL Tigers on July 13 after being sidelined since June 17 with a left oblique strain. The hope is that he can get back into the lineup in July.
Wenceel Perez, who suffered a left orbital fracture in June, has rejoined the team and started a hitting progression on July 7. His return is still TBD.
Parker Meadows’ fractured left radius is healing slowly, and a late-season return is possible.
Javier Baez finished a return-to-play program that included hitting, running and defense work in early July. There is no timetable for his return.
Trey Sweeney underwent season-ending shoulder surgery on June 5.
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 🡒]