Tigers fall to Pirates 6-1 on July 24, 2025, as offensive struggles continue. Read about top prospect Troy Melton's MLB debut and Riley Greene's lone RBI.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Another day, another frustrating loss for the Detroit Tigers. The team dropped the series finale to the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-1 on Thursday, marking their third straight defeat and eighth loss in their last nine games. While the offensive struggles continued to plague the club, the day wasn't without a significant bright spot: the Major League debut of top pitching prospect Troy Melton, who was called up to fill in for an absent ace.
The Tigers are averaging just 2.8 runs per game while dropping eight of their last nine contests.
The story of the game was, once again, the lack of production at the plate. The Tigers managed just five hits and a single run, courtesy of a Riley Greene RBI. They were completely shut down by Pirates starter Quinn Priester, who carved up the lineup for six innings of one-run ball. Defensive miscues also compounded the issues, contributing to the Pirates' scoring and putting even more pressure on the Detroit pitchers. Despite the loss, the Tigers still cling to their lead in the AL Central, but the formula of great pitching and anemic hitting is proving unsustainable.
The biggest news of the day was the arrival of right-hander Troy Melton, the organization's No. 10 prospect. Recalled from Triple-A Toledo where he'd been dominant (2.99 ERA, 101 K's in 75.1 IP), Melton was thrown right into the fire. The results were a mixed bag, as expected for a debut. He battled through 4.2 innings, allowing four runs (three earned) while striking out five and walking two. He showed flashes of the stuff that makes him a key part of the Tigers' future, a testament to the club's impressive pitching depth in the farm system.
Melton's opportunity arose because reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal was placed on the paternity list. Congratulations are in order for the Skubal family! The good news for fans is that the ace is expected to be activated after Friday's game and could rejoin the rotation as soon as this weekend. To make room for Melton on the 40-man roster, the Tigers designated outfielder Brewer Hicklen for assignment. Hicklen made a memorable, albeit brief, appearance for Detroit this year, going 2-for-3 with two runs in his only game.
While the Tigers limp home with a 60-43 record, the focus immediately shifts. The return of Tarik Skubal will provide a massive emotional and statistical boost, but it won't solve the team's core problem. The bats must wake up from their deep slumber if this team wants to hold its position atop the division. This recent skid is a stark reminder that in baseball, you can't win if you don't score. The upcoming series will be a critical test of this team's resolve.
