Tigers, Gleyber Torres both feeling pain of his prolonged absence The Detroit Tigers' recent 2-15 skid into the doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles has been attributed not only to Tarik Skubal’s injury but also to the absence of second baseman Gleyber Torres, who has been sidelined since May 4. Manager AJ Hinch emphasized that Torres’ absence has disrupted the team’s offensive rhythm, particularly due to his consistent on-base skills and ability to extend at-bats. Without him, the Tigers have averaged 2.4 runs per game, hit below .200, and ranked last in the league in home runs during this stretch. Torres, who was placed on the injured list with a left oblique strain, has not played since May 2. His absence has led to a significant drop in offensive production, with the team recording seven or fewer hits in nine games before Sunday’s matchup. This marks only the second time in franchise history that the Tigers have endured such a prolonged hitting slump, with the previous instance occurring during their 1968 championship season. Since May 4, the Tigers have managed just 15 hits in 115 at-bats with runners in scoring position, including eight games where they failed to record a hit in critical situations. Hinch highlighted how Torres’ presence has been a stabilizing force in the lineup. “If you just take one skill of the many that he has, the on-base, the consistent at-bat, the longer at-bat — there’s always a hit in there. Even on his bad days, he’s going to find a way to get on base or get a hit. That’s a very stable thing to have at the top of our order,” Hinch said. The loss of Torres has forced adjustments in the batting order, moving Dillon Dingler up toward the top of the lineup and elevating Colt Keith to the No. 6 spot.#detroit_tigers #baltimore_orioles #gleyber_torres #lakeland #aj_hinch
Atlanta Braves beat Detroit Tigers despite Tarik Skubal's strong start The Atlanta Braves secured a 4-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers on April 29, 2026, despite a dominant performance from Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal. The game, played at Truist Park, ended with a walk-off home run by Matt Olson in the ninth inning, capping a dramatic night for both teams. Olson’s two-run shot off reliever Kenley Jansen sent the Braves to a win, extending their record against the Tigers and dropping the Tigers to 15-16 on the season. Skubal, the reigning two-time Cy Young winner, pitched seven strong innings, allowing just two runs while striking out seven. His performance was bolstered by stellar defensive plays from the Tigers’ infield, particularly third baseman Colt Keith, who made several key stops to keep the Braves’ offense in check. However, the Tigers’ struggles at the plate proved costly, as they managed only three runs in the first three innings and just one hit the rest of the way. The game’s turning point came in the eighth inning when the Tigers’ bullpen faltered. After Kyle Finnegan issued two two-out walks, the Braves’ lineup capitalized on the free bases, setting the stage for Olson’s heroics. Jansen, who had been dominant in previous games, walked leadoff hitter Ozzie Albies to start the ninth inning, putting pressure on the Tigers’ defense. Olson then launched a middle-middle cutter into the bullpen, sending the crowd into a frenzy and securing the win for the Braves. Skubal’s performance was highlighted by his ability to adjust to the Braves’ offensive threats. After allowing a two-run homer in the first inning, he settled into a rhythm, using his fastball and breaking balls to keep the Braves’ hitters off balance.#detroit_tigers #atlanta_braves #tarik_skubal #matt_olson #aj_hinch
