Tigers hoping for Tarik Skubal trade vindication after latest River Ryan update

The Tigers' return for Tarik Skubal was met with mixed reviews, but the general consensus was this: while at least two of the three pieces have undeniable potential, the fact that neither would be able to help Detroit immediately felt like a failure on the part of the front office, especially if they were really serious about trying to thread the needle this season.

Zyhir Hope is still in Double-A. River Ryan was rehabbing a hamstring injury at the time he was traded, and there was no telling if he'd be back this season, though the Tigers were optimistic.

On Aug. 14, AJ Hinch told Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic that Ryan had been throwing bullpens and was looking great, but otherwise, the Tigers have declined to put a timeline to his return or promise that he would pitch this year.

However, Stavenhagen reported Friday that Ryan was making some progress and could be available to pitch in 2026. Although he was absent on paternity leave after the birth of his third child, he's scheduled to throw a bullpen this weekend and will need a rehab assignment, but he could make his Tigers debut in the second half of the month.

Tigers get first big update on River Ryan since Tarik Skubal was traded

By the time the Tigers manage to get him back onto the mound, if they actually end up doing so, Detroit will probably be playing games with zero stakes (they're already close to zero as it is). On the bright side, it could be the perfect time for the headliner from the Skubal trade to give fans a glimpse at what he might be able to provide for Detroit in 2027.

Ryan is a divisive figure among prospect experts and evaluators. Keith Law of The Athletic is perhaps one of his greatest cheerleaders. He wrote back in January that "if [Ryan] were healthy, he might be the No. 1 pitching prospect in baseball."

His age, however, lends itself to doubt; he turned 28 in August. While incredibly controllable, he's already lost some of his prime years to Tommy John and, if this hamstring issue is any indication, he might just be a particularly breakable pitcher.

We can't count him out entirely if we've never even seen him pitch, though. The Tigers are certainly hoping that Ryan will eventually perform well enough to justify their sale of one of the game's best, but fans will be slower to believe.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow