The Tigers lost 6-1 to the Pirates on July 23, 2025, as Troy Melton's debut was spoiled by a Spencer Horwitz grand slam. Read how the sweep deepens the slump.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Well, that's one to forget. The Detroit Tigers limped out of Pittsburgh on Wednesday after a 6-1 loss, completing a dismal three-game sweep at the hands of the Pirates. While the day marked the highly anticipated MLB debut of top pitching prospect Troy Melton, the result was just another chapter in a brutal stretch that has seen the team's once-comfortable division lead start to evaporate.
The Tigers have now lost nine of their last ten games, getting outscored 67-28 in that span.
It was a trial by fire for Troy Melton. Called up from Triple-A Toledo to fill in for ace Tarik Skubal, the Tigers' No. 10 prospect had a debut that showed both flashes of promise and the harsh reality of the big leagues. Melton's final line—five innings, seven hits, six earned runs—was marred by two big swings. Andrew McCutchen tagged him for a solo shot in the first, and then the real damage came in the second when Pittsburgh's Spencer Horwitz crushed his first career grand slam. Despite the rough outing, Melton did flash the stuff that made him a top prospect, striking out seven batters. It's a tough first day at the office, but the potential is clearly there.
While Melton's debut grabbed the headlines, the real story of this slump is an offense that has gone completely dormant. Pirates starter Bailey Falter carved up the lineup for seven innings, allowing just one run on four hits while fanning eight. The Tigers' only sign of life came in the seventh inning when Spencer Torkelson was driven in by a Matt Vierling single. Scoring one run won't win you many games, and it's a troubling trend. Over this 1-9 stretch, the team is averaging a paltry 2.8 runs per game. The bats simply have to wake up.
Melton's promotion came as reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal was placed on the paternity list. While his presence was missed, congratulations are in order for the Skubal family. He's expected back after Friday. To make room on the 40-man roster, outfielder Brewer Hicklen was designated for assignment. In more positive news, help could be on the way soon. Outfielder Kerry Carpenter (hamstring) and reliever Alex Lange have both been sent to Triple-A Toledo to begin their rehab assignments. Getting Carpenter's bat and Lange's arm back would be a massive boost for a team that desperately needs one.
This ten-game stretch has been a brutal reality check. A team that looked like it was cruising is now in a dogfight as their division lead shrinks. The pitching depth is being tested, the offense is sputtering, and the pressure is mounting. The Tigers need to stop the bleeding, and fast. They need to find their offensive identity again and weather this storm before their hard-earned lead disappears completely.
