When the Tigers called up Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize earlier this week, some thought this could represent the team trying its best to compete in an expanded-playoffs season, adding arms to a rotation that so desperately needs them. With Ivan Nova on the injured list, Michael Fulmer still ramping back up, and any warm body filling the fifth spot in the rotation, it is no secret what the team’s weakness is.
However, one place that no one was expecting Detroit to need help was at the top of the rotation. Though Matthew Boyd faded down the stretch in 2019, he entered July with plenty of excitement and promise.