With Casey Mize working his way back on injury rehab and Matt Manning on a mid-summer slowdown, the Erie SeaWolves are without dominant front-line starters for the time being.
Or are they?
Though not equipped with the first-round pedigree of his new teammates, left-hander Tarik Skubal has put up ace-like results in his quick and impressive climb through the Tigers' lower levels.
Just ask the Double-A hitters Skubal has victimized 21 times with swinging strikeouts in just two starts after his July 5 promotion.
“I watch the composure and the heartbeat,” said Tigers roving pitching instructor A.