If Thursday ends up being
“I can imagine he's probably as happy as he's been in baseball in a while,” manager Ron Gardenhire said. “Being able to get out there, stay healthy and get through those innings, after everything he's been through, when we shook his hand, that meant a lot to him.”
• Skubal's homework assignment: Command
The Tigers had been outscored by a 31-2 margin in two games and had a 3-0 deficit with six outs to go. Their unwillingness to give away those outs speaks to the attitude that got them into this American League playoff chase.
Zimmermann had a similar attitude about coming back this year after a right forearm strain landed him on the 45-day injured list at the end of Summer Camp. He rehabbed at the team's alternate training site in Toledo, Ohio, where top prospects
The Tigers faced a 3-1 deficit going into the seventh and final inning, but rookie
For the second time this week,
The game was within reach thanks in no small part to Zimmermann, who scattered four hits but avoided the big inning that could’ve sunk this game. He had a runner on third base in each of his first two innings but escaped with strikeouts on 90 mph fastballs and a double play. A highlight catch from
Zimmermann faced Cameron’s father, Mike, in 2011. Daz Cameron played behind Zimmermann during Zimmermann’s rehab in Toledo.\n\n“I was watching him down in Toledo when he came back from the COVID stuff. I know he's really good out there,” Zimmermann said. “I was assuming it was going to be off the wall for a double. Daz had a great jump and made a great play. He's really, really good out there. He's going to be exciting to watch for years to come.”\n\nGardenhire didn’t push Zimmermann past that, instead opting for piggyback reliever
What the Tigers do with Zimmermann from here, with just more than two weeks left in the season, is unclear. Barring postponements or a makeup of their other postponed doubleheader against the Cardinals at Comerica Park, they won’t need an extra starter the rest of the way. Their current rotation includes two top prospects who need regular work in Skubal and Mize.