Tigers vs Guardians Preview: Skubal Returns in Cleveland

The Detroit Tigers are bringing back their ace. Tarik Skubal is starting Saturday after missing 38 days with elbow surgery. This is huge for Detroit's staff. Skubal dominated last season, winning the Cy Young Award and leading the league with a 2.21 ERA. He threw six strikeouts in his comeback rehab start for High-A West Michigan. The Tigers need him badly. They're 29-40 this season and fighting to stay alive. Skubal will be limited on pitch count, but just having him on the mound changes everything. Detroit's pitching staff is built to win championships, and Skubal is the anchor.

The Cleveland Guardians are struggling right now. They've lost their last four games and sit at 37-33 on the season. Friday's game went to the Guardians 3-2, with home runs from Outman and Torkelson keeping it close. Now they hand the ball to Joey Cantillo, a young pitcher who has struggled this year with a 9.88 ERA. This is a tough spot for Cleveland. They're facing the Tigers' ace when their own starter is dealing with control issues. Cantillo has only won one game all season. The Guardians need to bounce back fast or their playoff hopes fade away.

Look at Friday's game—Outman and Torkelson both smashed home runs for Detroit. That's the kind of power the Tigers bring to the plate. They're hot too, winning their last game before this series. Now they get Skubal back, which means the Guardians face a nightmare matchup. Cantillo's 9.88 ERA means he's given up tons of hard-hit balls. The Tigers' lineup will be looking for fastballs to crush. Cleveland's pitching staff is built on depth, but Cantillo doesn't look ready for this stage. Saturday could get ugly fast for the Guardians if Detroit's bats come out swinging from the first pitch.