Despite a 4-game skid, the Detroit Tigers look to get right against the Rangers on July 18. Can Reese Olson and Riley Greene lead them to a needed win?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Let's get this out of the way: yes, the Detroit Tigers are on a four-game losing streak. But before anyone reaches for the panic button, take a deep breath and look at the standings. With a massive 11.5-game lead in the AL Central, this team is focused on the long game—a division title and a deep postseason run. Tonight, they have a chance to get right as they open a crucial series in Texas against the Rangers.
Four games is nothing in a 162-game season. Regardless of our record, stay hungry.
A four-game losing streak is never fun, but perspective is everything. The Tigers (59-38) still boast one of the best records in the American League and hold a commanding 11.5-game lead over Minnesota. The focus isn't on the recent past, but on clinching the franchise's first division title since 2014 and securing the AL's top seed. As Spencer Torkelson put it, 'This team's great, and it's been great... It's going to be how we get into this break and come back like we're 0-0.' That's the mentality of a first-place club that knows a few losses in July don't define a season.
The road back to the win column starts tonight at Globe Life Field. Reese Olson (4-3, 2.95 ERA) takes the mound for Detroit, looking to play stopper against the Rangers and veteran lefty Patrick Corbin (6-7, 4.15 ERA). The Tigers' offense, led by the phenomenal Riley Greene (.284 AVG, 24 HR, 78 RBI) and the surprisingly productive Zach McKinstry (.285 AVG, .364 OBP), will look to wake up and give Olson the run support he deserves. First pitch is at 5:05 PM, offering a perfect opportunity to erase the memory of the recent skid.
With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Tigers' front office is preparing to shift from building to perfecting. The team is expected to be strategic buyers, targeting key areas for a deep playoff run. The bullpen is a primary focus, and adding another starting pitcher or a veteran situational hitter is also on the table. The return of Jack Flaherty will be a huge boost for the second half, but expect management to get creative to fill any remaining gaps and put this team over the top.
What makes the Tigers' position so powerful? It's the farm. Consistently ranked among the best in baseball, Detroit's deep pool of prospects gives them the flexibility to make significant trades without mortgaging the future. With the 2025 draft expected to inject even more top-tier talent into the system, the Tigers have the assets to acquire the final pieces for a championship puzzle while ensuring the competitive window stays open for years to come. This organizational strength is the foundation of the team's current success and future ambitions.
The four-game skid is a footnote in what has been a dominant season. The immediate test is getting back in the win column against the Rangers, but the bigger story is how this front office will leverage its enviable position and deep farm system to build a true World Series contender. All eyes are on Texas tonight, and on the trade market tomorrow. This is where the fun begins.
