Breaking Down the Latest Detroit Tigers Injury Updates

Head, shoulders, knees and toes — along with pretty much every other body part in between — have been a nagging thorn in the side of the Detroit Tigers throughout the early stages of the 2026 season.

Riddled with injuries, it's no secret the team the Tigers tried to field throughout the month of May was about as depleted as any roster in baseball. A lot of negativity surrounded the team from the outside looking in, but inside the clubhouse they knew they were simply battling.

Battling through games they had leads in and should have won, only to find new ways to lose on what felt like a daily basis. Battling injuries that spread through the clubhouse like a virus, affecting nearly every corner of the roster.

Now, as June rolls in, the Tigers are looking at things with a much brighter outlook. That renewed optimism coincides with the return of players like Kerry Carpenter, Gleyber Torres, Troy Melton and Ty Madden.

While those players have helped lift the spirits of a team that once looked dead in the water, the reality remains the same: the injured list is still flooded with players A.J. Hinch desperately needs on the field if Detroit wants any chance of doing the unthinkable and finding a path back into the playoff race.

So let's dive into the injured list and break down some of the names that stand out.

The most talked-about name in Detroit right now is a man who hasn't pitched in 35 days. The entire city is waiting on the edge of its seat, wondering when it will get to see its favorite player take the mound again.

Skubal underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove a loose body from his elbow and has now completed a live batting practice session. Major discussions continue to loom regarding whether or not Skubal could be traded before the July trade deadline, making the situation even more intriguing.

For now, however, the Tigers simply want Skubal back. If Detroit is going to make any sort of run at a Wild Card spot, having its ace return to the rotation would be a massive boost.

There may have been nobody more excited about Justin Verlander's return to Detroit than the fans who lived through his dominant first stint with the Tigers.

That homecoming happened back in March, 65 days ago, but it lasted only 3.2 innings before Verlander was sidelined with an injury. The dramatic return was suddenly put on hold.

Some wondered if they would ever get the chance to see Verlander pitch at Comerica Park in a Tigers uniform again.

Now, as June begins, Verlander has finally taken another step forward, making his first start for the Toledo Mud Hens in 11 years. He threw 64 pitches, including 48 strikes, and averaged 93.5 mph with his fastball.

With that outing now behind him, Verlander appears to be inching closer to a return to Detroit's rotation.

The Mize injury was especially painful because, for a stretch, he looked like the Tigers' most reliable arm.

Pitching like the former No. 1 overall pick Detroit envisioned, Mize dominated through four innings before exiting with discomfort. The following day, he was placed on the 15-day injured list.

Mize was scheduled to throw a bullpen session Tuesday as he continues working toward a return to the rotation.

In a surprising update Tuesday, Javier Báez suffered a setback in his recovery.

Báez had enjoyed a resurgence while splitting time between center field and shortstop dating back to last season, becoming one of Detroit's most versatile and productive players. Earlier this year he suffered an ankle injury, and the latest update indicates the recovery process has hit an unexpected roadblock.

That setback has forced the Tigers to shut Báez down from all baseball activities for the time being.

The 33-year-old is entering the later stages of his career, and some are beginning to wonder whether we've seen the last of Báez on a Major League field. Only time will tell.

Regardless of what comes next, his ability to deliver in clutch moments at the plate while continuing to make highlight-reel plays defensively made this latest news a difficult pill to swallow for Tigers fans.

The Tigers' injury woes are no joke. At one point, Detroit essentially had an entire starting rotation sitting on the injured list.

The good news is that, with each passing day, more players are inching closer to returning. One by one, the Tigers expect to get many of these contributors back, which could provide a much-needed spark in what would become one of Major League Baseball's most remarkable comeback stories.

And if Detroit can get healthy in time, perhaps the Tigers can recreate some of the magic they showed during their improbable run back in 2024.