3 Tigers facing last chance with team as lackluster play drags on post All-Star break

The Tigers had the best record in baseball going into the second half, but they limped into the All-Star break after suffering a four-game losing streak. Then that number hit a season-high of six after they dropped their first two games against the Texas Rangers this weekend. Tarik Skubal stopped the bleeding on Sunday Night Baseball, but a 2-1 victory didn't exactly inspire fans.

The trade deadline is fast approaching, which should bring in some more reinforcements, but Detroit may also have to trim some fat and make a few roster changes to keep things rolling through August and September. These are some players who are on thin ice.

3 players facing their last chance with Tigers heading out of the All-Star break

Trey Sweeney

Sweeney is looking like he could end up in exactly the same position as Jace Jung — back in the minors with a lot to prove — if he doesn't come out the gate hot and stay that way in the few days left before the trade deadline. He was already demoted for a few days but recalled when Kerry Carpenter went onto the IL. With Javy Báez miraculously finding some consistency this year, Sweeney's spot at shortstop isn't a guarantee.

He and Jace Jung could still make enticing trade candidates if the Tigers are actually looking to pull off something big, but it feels more likely that Sweeney will just find himself back in the minors if the Tigers need to clear 26-man space after the deadline.

Carlos Hernández

Hernández was claimed off of waivers after the Phillies DFA'd him on June 11, and he spent a few days on the 26-man without pitching while he worked through some changes with the Tigers' pitching staff. However, whatever they instructed or tried to change hasn't seemed to be working, as Hernández has a 9.72 ERA in 8 1/3 innings so far.

The Tigers' first order of business at the trade deadline seems to be finding bullpen help, partially because guys like Hernández haven't turned into the magical fixes that they hoped. He'll be easy enough to send off on the waiver wire if the Tigers acquire guys like Jhoan Duran or Griffin Jax to take some pressure off of Tommy Kahnle and Will Vest in late innings.

Matt Vierling

Vierling emerged as a clubhouse leader last season. He's one of the oldest position players on the team and the only Tiger with any postseason experience at all, but he's been a liability this year. He's been hurt twice, has played in just 16 games, and is batting .196 with a .526 OPS. But he did save the Tigers on Sunday night with the game-winning RBI.

The Tigers probably won't dump him without seeing what more he can do when he gets into a groove, but they also need to give Justyn-Henry Malloy some more opportunities. Malloy is an outfielder by trade but has been taking some reps in the infield, which could rework him into one of the utility players the Tigers love so much. If that happens and Vierling continues to struggle, he could be easily replaced.