Cubs-Tigers Game Delayed by Weather Before 7:05 p.m. First Pitch

Q: With a wild-card spot in reach, should the Tigers trade their ace or make an unlikely playoff push?

The Tigers should trade Tarik Skubal unless they make up meaningful ground before the Aug. 3 deadline. Detroit’s case for holding is understandable: the club is only about five games out of a wild-card spot, the American League race is weak, and the Tigers have played much better since June 1. In an expanded 12-team field, a mediocre record does not eliminate a team, and an ace can change a short postseason series. Keeping Skubal would also preserve clubhouse belief and give Detroit its best chance at a late run. But the stronger baseball decision is still to sell high. The Tigers are 34-46, still below .500 despite the recent surge, and would need to pass several teams. Their playoff odds remain modest even with Skubal. More important, Skubal is a premium asset in a contract year, and there is little sign Detroit can extend him at market price. If the Tigers keep him and miss, they risk turning a Cy Young-caliber arm into only draft-pick compensation. The timing also matters. Jack Flaherty’s move to the injured list with right flexor inflammation underlines Detroit’s rotation uncertainty, but it does not change the larger calculus. A Skubal trade could bring back multiple controllable pieces, ideally including an MLB-ready starter and upper-level prospects, helping Detroit compete beyond 2026 rather than chasing a low-probability berth now. The practical approach is to stay open for the next week, but if the standings remain similar, Detroit should move its ace.

3 articles · Updated · Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 20

Monday night’s Cubs-Tigers game at Wrigley Field was pushed back because of weather in the area, delaying the scheduled 7:05 p.m. first pitch.
Jameson Taillon was still lined up to start for Chicago in his first outing since June 7, when he exited after one inning with a strained left hamstring.
Jack Flaherty was set to start for Detroit in a matchup between two clubs coming off series wins.
Chicago took 2 of 3 from the Twins at home, while Detroit won 2 of 3 against the Angels in Anaheim.