Tarik Skubal is lined up to start Thursday for Detroit against Cleveland after a rib-side scare last week. He threw a crisp, max-effort bullpen with no pain, clearing the way for a return appearance.

The Tigers sit seven games from clinching the AL Central at home, and Skubal's 13-5 record with a 2.26 ERA and 224 strikeouts anchors the rotation as they chase the Guardians.

Gavin Williams opposes him for Cleveland in a pivotal showdown; Williams is 10-5 with a 3.16 ERA and 152 strikeouts, a matchup that could swing fantasy expectations and division odds.