Tarik Skubal's Disastrous Inning Fuels Tigers' Epic Collapse Threat

Reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal endured a preposterous and disastrous sixth inning on Tuesday (September 24, 2025) against the Cleveland Guardians, contributing to the Detroit Tigers' 5-2 loss and their evaporating 15.5-game AL Central lead. Despite five strong innings, Skubal's inning included a risky between-the-legs toss error on a bunt, hitting David Fry in the nose with a 99.1 mph fastball (expressing deep concern for Fry's health), and a balk, allowing three runs to score without a single ball leaving the infield. Manager AJ Hinch called it an "uncharacteristic mistake." Skubal acknowledged the "impossible play" and the need to "flush today's game" as the Tigers now face a critical tiebreaker disadvantage.