The Detroit Tigers are slated to begin a three-game series against the Athletics in Sacramento, California, at 9:40 p.m. EDT on Friday.
Ahead of the game, Detroit made a trade deadline decision regarding right-handed starting pitcher Casey Mize.
Detroit Tigers Scratch Casey Mize in Preparation for Trade Deadline
GettyDETROIT, MI – JULY 11: Casey Mize #12 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the second inning at Comerica Park on July 11, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
Mize was originally scheduled to start against the Athletics on Friday. In preparation for the trade deadline, the Tigers scratched the right-hander.
The Athletic’s Cody Stavenhagen wrote on X: “The Tigers are scratching Casey Mize from his start tonight. Mize is healthy and there is no trade in place, but it’s a precaution with the deadline looming. Bullpen game tonight”
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – JUNE 17: Casey Mize #12 of the Detroit Tigers pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on June 17, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Mize is slated to be a free agent at the end of the season. In 86 2/3 innings across 16 starts this year, Mize has posted a 2.70 ERA with a 0.99 WHIP and 85 strikeouts.
The Tigers’ decision to scratch Mize indicates that the team will most likely sell at the trade deadline.
Tigers Appear Set to Sell at Trade Deadline
GettyDETROIT, MI – JULY 29: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers acknowledges the fans after recording his 1,000th strikeout during the first inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park on July 29, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
The New York Post’s Jon Heyman wrote on X: “This is the clearest sign yet Skubal will very likely go in trade. Tigers have plenty to deal including also Mize, Gleyber Torres and Kyle Finnegan”
It’s been a rather disappointing season for the Tigers. Despite being in a weak American League with a solid +38 run differential, Detroit is 6 1/2 games back of the Chicago White Sox for first place in the American League Central and 4 1/2 games back of the Cleveland Guardians for the third American League Wild Card spot.
GettyBALTIMORE, MARYLAND – MAY 22: Manager A.J. Hinch of the Detroit Tigers looks on against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 22, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
It’s pretty shocking that the Tigers have been as bad as they have this year. Entering the season, many viewed them as the favorites to win the American League Central. Their run differential is the second-best in the division behind the White Sox by just five runs.
Last year, the Tigers were extremely close to reaching the ALCS, making it to extra innings in Game 5 of the ALDS against the Seattle Mariners. Seattle won the game, then got eliminated by the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the ALCS.
The Tigers’ three-game set against the Athletics will be the team’s final series before the Aug. 3 trade deadline. After that, Detroit will stay on the road for a three-game series against the Mariners followed by a three-game set against the San Francisco Giants.
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