Skubal is cited as the difference-maker atop Detroit’s rotation, with the potential to anchor October wins and stabilize the pitching staff for a deep playoff push.

Skubal owns a sharp 2.26 ERA and 188 IP potential, placing him in direct competition with Crochet for the innings crown. A blow-up by Skubal could widen Crochet’s chance at the K lead, making late-season starts pivotal for both arms.

Skubal is fine after side tightness and could be back soon, offering a restored rotation option for Detroit and potential streaming value for fantasy managers when he returns.

Skubal is referenced indirectly via Junk’s college ties, highlighting Detroit’s pitching depth and the connection to Seattle U, underscoring the Tigers’ farm-to-MLB pipeline.

Detroit's ace left Friday's game with left-side tightness but was cleared after tests and is set to start again, pending monitoring. His numbers—2.26 ERA, 184 ERA+, 8.00 K:BB—anchor Detroit's rotation and fantasy rosters; health is the hinge on the Tigers' playoff push.