Tigers lining up Tarik Skubal for start of playoffs creates potential massive issue

It's not over 'til it's over, but with Tarik Skubal continuing to pitch at the highest possible level, the AL Cy Young race is all but over. His ERA and WHIP are both the second-lowest in baseball, and he's gunning for the Triple Crown. Skubal was the first pitcher to 200 strikeouts on the season, he got his first All-Star nod this year, and he's stayed healthy all season. The BBWAA should just hand him the award now.

Skubal's health and performance has been the cornerstone of the Tigers' season, and a huge part of the reason why they have a still distant but not unrealistic shot at a postseason appearance this year.

In August, the Tigers started giving Skubal an extra day of rest between starts, given the bullpen's surprising dominance in opener scenarios. Now, with Casey Mize back in the rotation and Reese Olson (hopefully) soon to follow, it makes sense that the Tigers would want to treat their star ace delicately as they had down the stretch.

Even with a few tough series right around the corner, the Tigers are sticking to the plan with Skubal. He'll pitch on Thursday against the Rockies, which then leaves him lined up for starts against the Royals on Sept. 18 and the Rays on Sept. 24.

Tigers will continue to give Tarik Skubal an extra day of rest between starts even as postseason hopes mount

The only issue here is that Skubal's schedule means he won't pitch against the Orioles during either series — one home, one away — that are coming up. The Royals series is pivotal as an inter-division matchup, but the Orioles also have the chance to completely ruin the Tigers' playoff hopes if, heaven forbid, they sweep both series.

However, it makes some sense that AJ Hinch and the Tigers' pitching coaches would exercise caution here. Mize has looked decent since his return, Olson is coming back soon as his rehab progresses, Keider Montero just threw a complete game shutout, and the bullpen has been pulling off the impossible. Pushing Skubal now, when a postseason spot isn't guaranteed, wouldn't be great long-term thinking for a pitcher who does have a history of injury.

The rest of the Tigers roster will need to step up for their six games against the Orioles and continue to prove that. While Skubal is statistically the most valuable player on this team, they can also be competitive as a complete unit on his off days.