Despite homers from Torkelson and Carpenter, the Tigers fell to the Twins 9-4 on Aug 6. Flaherty struggles, but all eyes turn to ace Tarik Skubal's next start.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a night that started with a bang and ended with a whimper. The Detroit Tigers lit up the Comerica Park sky with three early home runs Wednesday, but it was the Minnesota Twins who had the last laugh, cruising to a 9-4 victory. As the dust settles on a tough series loss, the Tigers head into a much-needed Thursday off-day with a clear mission: reset, regroup, and get ready to unleash their ace, Tarik Skubal, on the Los Angeles Angels.
The Tigers launched three home runs before the fifth inning, yet still fell to the Twins 9-4.
For a few innings, it felt like the Tigers' night. Spencer Torkelson (his 24th), Zach McKinstry, and Kerry Carpenter all went deep, staking Detroit to an early 4-3 lead. But the momentum was fleeting. Starter Jack Flaherty couldn't keep the Twins' bats quiet, surrendering six runs over 4 2/3 innings and taking his 11th loss of the season. Minnesota answered with their own power display, including homers from Brooks Lee, Austin Martin, and Alan Roden. The Tigers' best chance to claw back came in the 8th inning with runners on the corners and one out, but a crushing inning-ending double play off the bat of pinch-hitter Jahmai Jones extinguished the threat for good.
If there's a silver lining to Wednesday's loss, it's what comes next. After a restorative off-day on Thursday, the Tigers will hand the ball to their All-Star lefty, Tarik Skubal. With a sparkling 11-3 record and a minuscule 2.18 ERA, Skubal is the ultimate stopper and exactly the pitcher you want on the mound to start a new series. His presence on Friday against the Angels provides an immediate shot of optimism and a chance to wash away the bad taste of the Twins finale.
On the health front, the team received some encouraging news. While no new injuries were reported Thursday, RHP Reese Olson is officially targeting a September return from his right shoulder strain after a successful bullpen session, providing a potential boost for the stretch run. Top prospect Kevin McGonigle also continues his daily rehab. Meanwhile, the organization added some pitching depth on Tuesday by signing RHP Matt Stil to a minor league deal, assigning him to High-A West Michigan. It's a low-risk move that bolsters the system's pitching ranks.
One tough loss doesn't define a season, and this Tigers team has a golden opportunity to prove it. The off-day comes at the perfect time, offering a moment to breathe before a pivotal weekend series. With their best pitcher ready to go, the focus shifts entirely to Friday night. Can Tarik Skubal set the tone and get the Tigers back in the win column? We'll find out when they welcome the Angels to town.
