Tigers lose to Cubs 6-1 on June 8, 2025, as Tarik Skubal scuffles and the offense goes 0-for-6 with RISP. Justin Steele dominates for Chicago.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a frustrating Sunday afternoon at Comerica Park. Hopes were high for a series win against the Cubs, but the bats went cold as the Tigers dropped the rubber match 6-1. Despite a decent crowd and their ace Tarik Skubal on the mound, the offense couldn't find a rhythm, leaving fans wondering where the spark will come from as the team continues its push in the AL Central.
0-for-6 with runners in scoring position. That's the stat that tells the story of the day.
Tarik Skubal wasn't his usual unhittable self, surrendering four runs (three earned) over six innings, but it was the lack of run support that truly doomed the Tigers. Chicago's Justin Steele was masterful, carving up the Detroit lineup for seven innings while allowing just one run. The Cubs' Seiya Suzuki provided the power with two solo home runs. For the Tigers, the lone bright spots were a 2-for-4 day from Riley Greene and an RBI single from Colt Keith in the 7th, but it was far too little, too late. The team's inability to capitalize, going 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position, was the painful theme of the afternoon.
The offensive struggles on Sunday only highlighted the front office's recent attempts to find a solution. Just two days ago, the team made the tough decision to designate fan-favorite Akil Baddoo for assignment, ending a chapter that began with a thrilling home run on his first MLB pitch. In his place, center fielder Jahmai Jones was called up from Toledo, with the hope that he can provide a jolt to the lineup. These moves, along with Andy Ibáñez being optioned, signal that management isn't content to stand pat while the team struggles for consistent run production.
While the game was a letdown, there was significant news from the pitching staff. The good news: Sawyer Gipson-Long has been reinstated from the 60-day IL. His return provides crucial depth to the rotation and bullpen, a welcome sight for a team in a tight divisional race. The bad news, however, is that this move corresponds with reliever Jason Foley being placed on the 60-day IL following right shoulder surgery. Losing a key high-leverage arm like Foley is a major blow, putting more pressure on the rest of the bullpen to step up in his absence.
Losing a series at home always stings, especially when the offense disappears. But the season is a marathon, not a sprint. The front office is actively tweaking the roster, and the return of Sawyer Gipson-Long could be a significant boost for the pitching staff. The Tigers need to shake this one off quickly, find their offensive identity, and prove that Sunday's performance was an anomaly, not the start of a trend. All eyes will be on how this team responds in the next series.
