Intense Tarik Skubal jaws at White Sox as Tigers continue pressing health concerns

The Detroit Tigers, one of the most disappointing MLB teams in 2026, needed a spark.

Underwhelming since Skubal went on the injured list and endured left-elbow surgery, the presumed preseason AL Central favorites suffered through a miserable 6-22 May. Are the Tigers running out of time — or bodies?

The Tigers' 40-man roster has been beaten up with 28 players visiting the IL at some point this season. Just over six weeks away from the MLB trade deadline, the team's most pressing needs remain getting healthy.

Or inspired.

Which Skubal attempted to do at Comerica Park on Friday night, pointing and jawing at the Chicago White Sox's bench following a fifth-inning strikeout of power-hitting Colson Montgomery.

Tarik Skubal energizes Tigers vs. White Sox

If the Tigers continue to struggle and fall out of the AL Wild Card race, Skubal, a pending free agent, could become the league's biggest trade chip. Already taking offers, the Tigers have made it known they want major-league-ready position players and controllable pitching as compensation.

Until Scott Harris, the Tigers' roster architect, makes his final decision, Skubal made clear he intends to go down swinging. Or at least shouting and pointing at the White Sox's bench.

After striking out Montgomery with the bases loaded Friday, Skubal started jawing, prompting injured pitcher Mike Vasil to respond from th visitors' bench. Skubal was restrained after entering the Tigers' dugout.

Skubal could have been frustrated over allowing two home runs on change-ups during a single start for the first time in his career. Whatever sparked the exchange, the inspired Tigers earned a 4-3 victory.

The injury-plagued Tigers (31-44) needed a spark. Did Skubal provide a locker-room lift?

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