Right-hander Brenan Hanifee is back with the Detroit Tigers for the third time this season, summoned from Triple-A Toledo because the team is playing seriously short-handed tonight. This emergency call-up replaces lefty starter Framber Valdez, who is on the bereavement list due to a family death. Manager AJ Hinch flat-out said they were “going to play short-handed” for tonight’s game.
Hanifee’s Unexpected Return
Valdez is already on his way back from the Dominican Republic and could actually be activated as early as Saturday, which is a quick turnaround. But for now, it’s Hanifee’s turn again. The 28-year-old has already covered 13.2 innings across 14 games for the Tigers in his two previous stints this season. He was a pretty effective reliever back in May, too, allowing just two runs in 11 innings with six strikeouts and only two walks. They need that kind of efficiency tonight.
High Stakes for Skubal and the Deadline
Tonight’s game kicks off a potentially pivotal three-week stretch for Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, who sports a 5-4 record with a 3.06 ERA. This is one of three starts he’s expected to make before the August 3 trade deadline, which is massive. It’s also the second game of a critical 13-game stretch for the Tigers overall. They absolutely have to stay in the playoff hunt to compel President Scott Harris to be a buyer at the deadline, not a seller. Every outing matters here.
Matchup: Skubal vs. Rodriguez
Across the diamond, the Angels are throwing RHP Grayson Rodriguez, who’s got a 3-2 record with a high 7.55 ERA. This guy has been through it. He missed all of 2025 with elbow surgery and has been limited to just seven starts this season because of back tightness. He soldiered through 5.1 innings, giving up three runs and six hits, against the Twins in his return off the IL before the break. Watch out for his 96-mph four-seam fastball, which is a serious weapon, along with the changeup and slider he throws off it.
This Saturday night game against the Angels, kicking off at 10:07 p.m. PT, isn’t just another game on the schedule. With Skubal needing to deliver big and the Tigers fighting tooth and nail to stay relevant for that trade deadline, every single pitch counts. Can Hanifee hold the line for them tonight, and can Skubal pitch them closer to buying at the deadline? We’re about to find out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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