Fading fast: Tigers limping into season's second quarter, may seek trade

The Detroit Tigers' injury-riddled campaign continues to spin out of control.

Losers of four straight and seven of eight following Tuesday's 4-3 defeat to the Cleveland Guardians at Comerica Park, the Tigers need reinforcements as they enter the season's second quarter.

The first quarter? They flopped.

With 13 players on injured reserve, including two-time AL Cy Young award winner Tarik Skubal, second baseman Gleyber Torres, utility player Javier Baez and outfielder Kerry Carpenter, the Tigers' front office could be forced into making a deal.

Falling to the AL Central-leading Guardians on consecutive nights, the Tigers (20-29) are threatening to skid out of the pennant race before the end of May. In their first meeting this season, the teams are scheduled for a four-game series.

The Tigers' problems continue to compound.

Injury-plagued Tigers need reinforcements

While most MLB insiders suggest they could climb back into contention when most of their front-line players begin returning from the injury list, the Tigers continue to falter.

No. 3 starter Jack Flaherty developed control problems.

Closer Kenley Jansen, a future Hall of Famer, compiled three blown saves, including back-to-back appearances on April 24 and 29.

Other than a starting pitcher target, who should the Tigers' scouts target on the trade market?

The Tigers possess key elements that made them one of the division's preseason favorites. Left fielder Riley Greene continues to emerge as one of the league's top hitters, Kevin McGonigle remains an AL Rookie of the Year frontrunner and catcher Dillon Dingler, a 2025 Gold Glove recipient, is developing into a power threat.

Coming off recent elbow surgery, Skubal has already resumed a long-toss throwing regimen. 

One big lineup question persists.

What are they going to do with first baseman Spencer Torkelson? He homered Tuesday, but also struck out twice, dropping his batting average to .194. He's been rated as one of the major league's lowest-rated players.

Could the Tigers look to package Torkelson in a trade for a starting pitcher?

The fast-fading Tigers look like they need reinforcements before they fall too far behind the Guardians.