The Toronto Blue Jays will have a lot on their plate this weekend when playing against the Detroit Tigers, except for a starting pitcher.
As the Blue Jays prepare to face the Tigers at Rogers Centre, they find themselves once again dodging Tarik Skubal. This marks the third time in less than a year that the Blue Jays have avoided facing the standout left-hander.
During the last season, Skubal was among the American League’s elite pitchers as he ran his campaign for the Cy Young Award. Skubal’s absence from the mound during this series gives Toronto a slight advantage.
Tarik Skubal is looking to win back-to-back AL Cy Young Awards pic.twitter.com/4DjdaL5wbJ
— MLB (@MLB) May 13, 2025
However, the Tigers have enough depth that they can still field a competitive rotation without him. The Blue Jays will instead be challenged by a talented trio of Tigers pitchers—Jack Flaherty, Reese Olson, and Jackson Jobe.
The Detroit Tigers have evolved significantly since the last time the Blue Jays encountered them in late July of the previous year. Considered as one of the serious contenders in the American League, they now hold a 66-40 record.
Detroit Tigers Are Coming Confidently Against Toronto Blue Jays
The Tigers will enter a crucial series against the Blue Jays as part of their Rivalry Weekend in Canada. However, they are coming confidently with their strong performance and best record in the American League.
After sweeping the Boston Red Sox with impressive walk-off victories, the Tigers (29-15) are looking to maintain their momentum.
For the Tigers, it will be Jack Flaherty (1-5, 4.61 ERA), who has historically performed well against the Blue Jays, facing Bowden Francis (2-5, 5.40 ERA) for Toronto.
The first MLB Rivalry Weekend is here!
Which rivalry are you looking forward to the most this weekend? pic.twitter.com/SpMHS8MDh9
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 16, 2025
The Blue Jays (21-23) are struggling to find consistency despite recently showing some power with home runs. However, their recent games against the Tampa Bay Rays have only opened their challenges flat.
However, both teams have different objectives. The Tigers aim to extend their lead in the AL Central. While the Blue Jays are at a crucial point where their performance could affect future roster decisions and whether they’ll be able to turn their season around.
First pitch is set for 7:07 p.m. ET at Rogers Centre, where the Blue Jays hope that returning home will spark a turnaround.
Also Read: Detroit Tigers Projected Rookie Of The Year Makes It To Team’s Starting Rotation On Season Opener