Detroit Tigers

Spencer Torkelson went 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in the Tigers' 9-3 loss to the Astros.

Fantasy Impact: This game marked Torkelson's first home run of the season, a much-needed boost for both his confidence and his stat line. Despite the homer, his season batting average remains a lackluster .225, and his overall production has been underwhelming with a .279 wOBA and a high strikeout rate of 23.2%. Fantasy managers should view this performance as a positive sign, but Torkelson still has a lot to prove before becoming a reliable fantasy option. His power potential is evident, but consistent contact and on-base improvements are necessary for him to make a significant impact.

Jake Rogers is missing from the lineup for the Detroit Tigers against the Houston Astros Sunday. (Source: Detroit Tigers on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Rogers will take a seat on the bench for general rest, with Carson Kelly filling in behind the plate at catcher and batting ninth for manager AJ Hinch against the Astros Sunday.

Wenceel Perez is not in the lineup for the Detroit Tigers against the Houston Astros Sunday. (Source: Detroit Tigers on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Perez will sit out for rest reasons, with Matt Vierling patrolling center field and batting third against the Astros for manager AJ Hinch Sunday.

Zach McKinstry is out of the lineup for the Detroit Tigers against the Houston Astros Sunday. (Source: Detroit Tigers on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: McKinstry will receive the afternoon off for manager AJ Hinch Sunday, with Javier Baez starting at shortstop and batting eighth against the Astros.

Carson Kelly is in the starting lineup for the Detroit Tigers against the Houston Astros Sunday. (Source: Detroit Tigers on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Kelly will take the field with Jake Rogers out for rest, starting behind the plate at catcher and batting ninth for manager AJ Hinch against the Astros Sunday.

Javier Baez returns to the lineup for the Detroit Tigers against the Houston Astros Sunday. (Source: Detroit Tigers on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Baez is back after receiving Saturday’s contest off, batting eighth and starting at shortstop against the Astros for manager AJ Hinch Sunday.

Andy Ibanez is back in the lineup for the Detroit Tigers against the Houston Astros Sunday. (Source: Detroit Tigers on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Ibanez returns after sitting out Saturday for manager AJ Hinch, starting at third base and batting fifth against the Astros Sunday.

Tarik Skubal delivered a strong performance in Saturday's 8-2 victory over the Astros.

Fantasy Impact: He allowed two earned runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out seven over 6 1/3 innings. This outing continues a superb season for Skubal, who now boasts a 2.02 ERA and a 0.86 WHIP through eight starts. His ability to maintain a high strikeout rate (11.0 K/9) and excellent control (7.50 K/BB ratio) makes him a top-tier fantasy option. Given his consistent dominance and low BABIP (.263), suggesting some luck but mostly skill, fantasy managers should consider him a must-start in all formats. His performance against a strong Astros lineup only solidifies his status as one of the premier pitchers in fantasy baseball this season.

Kerry Carpenter went 2-for-5 with two home runs and three RBI in the Tigers' 8-2 victory over the Astros.

Fantasy Impact: Delivering a pair of long balls in this game, Carpenter significantly bolstered his home run tally for the season, bringing his total to five. This performance could be a signal of an emerging power trend, or simply a good day at the plate, but either way, it's a positive sign for fantasy managers. Given his current .275 batting average and .362 wOBA, Carpenter remains a solid option in fantasy lineups, particularly in formats that reward power hitting. His limited walk rate and high strikeout rate are concerns, but his slugging ability may compensate for those shortcomings in leagues that prioritize extra-base hits and RBI.

Mark Canha went 1-for-3 with a home run and four RBI in the Tigers' 8-2 victory over the Astros.

Fantasy Impact: His offensive contributions were crucial, highlighted by a powerful home run that helped extend the team's lead. This performance brings his season RBI count to 20 and his home run tally to six. Despite a modest .242 batting average, Canha's ability to drive in runs and draw walks (23 walks this season) adds value in formats that reward on-base percentage. His consistent power production and knack for timely hitting keep him relevant in most fantasy leagues, especially those that value extra-base hits and RBI.

Kenta Maeda (illness) has been placed on the 15-day injured list retroactive to May 8 according to the Detroit Tigers. (Source: Detroit Tigers PR on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Maeda has struggled with consistency on the mound prior to being placed on the injured list by the club and will now leave fantasy managers looking to fill his spot in lineups in all formats in the short term.

Gio Urshela (hamstring) is with the Tigers doing glove work drills. (Source: Jason Beck on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Urshela is currently on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo, which he will resume on Sunday. He should have a timetable for his return assigned to him soon.

Colt Keith is back in the lineup for the Detroit Tigers against the Houston Astros Saturday. (Source: Detroit Tigers on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Keith returns after sitting out against left-handed pitching Friday night, batting sixth and starting at second base for manager AJ Hinch against the Astros Saturday.

Ryan Vilade is not in the lineup for the Detroit Tigers against the Houston Astros Saturday. (Source: Detroit Tigers on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Vilade will sit out for general rest, with Mark Canha patrolling right field and batting second against the Astros for manager AJ Hinch Saturday.

Casey Mize delivered a decent performance, allowing just one earned run on five hits and two walks while striking out two over six innings in Friday's 5-2 loss to the Astros.

Fantasy Impact: Despite the solid outing, Mize's lack of run support and limited strikeout numbers continue to hamper his fantasy upside. With a season ERA now at 3.58 and a WHIP of 1.30, he remains a middling option in most fantasy formats. His low strikeout rate of 6.2 K/9 limits his appeal in categories that reward strikeouts, but his decent ERA and WHIP could make him a viable streamer in favorable matchups. However, fantasy managers should temper expectations given his current performance trends.

Reese Olson delivered a quality start, allowing just one earned run on one hit and two walks while striking out four over six innings in Wednesday's 5-4 loss to the Guardians.

Fantasy Impact: Despite Olson's strong performance, he did not factor into the decision, and the Tigers ultimately fell in a close contest. Olson's season ERA now stands impressively at 2.52, with a WHIP of 1.12, reflecting his ability to limit base runners and manage games effectively. However, his win-loss record remains unflattering at 0-4, underscoring the lack of run support he's received this season. Fantasy managers should continue to value Olson for his ERA, WHIP, and strikeout potential, though wins might be hard to come by with the current offensive backing.

Matt Vierling is not in the Tigers lineup on Wednesday against the Guardians.

Fantasy Impact: Vierling collected two hits and drove in two runs in Tuesday's win over Cleveland. Zach McKinstry is starting at third base for Detroit.

Parker Meadows is expected to be optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday. (Source: Evan Petzold on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: An exciting prospect who entered the season as the Tigers' everyday center fielder, Meadows has just had a miserable time at the at the the plate so far in 2024. Across 85 plate appearances this season, he has posted an ugly .096/.224/.219 slash line with one home run and three steals. Meadows will try to make adjustments and get on track in the minors.

Jack Flaherty endured a narrow defeat as the Tigers fell 2-1 to the Guardians.

Fantasy Impact: He allowed two earned runs on six hits and one walk while striking out six over six innings. Despite the loss, Flaherty's performance was solid, maintaining a strong season with a 3.86 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. His impressive 12.0 K/9 and 9.33 strikeout-to-walk ratio continue to make him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues, especially in categories that reward strikeouts and WHIP. However, his winless record might be a concern for fantasy managers relying on victories, though his underlying metrics suggest better outcomes could be on the horizon.

Riley Greene went 1-for-5 in the Tigers' 2-1 loss to the Guardians with a home run and one RBI.

Fantasy Impact: Despite the team's defeat, Greene's ability to connect for his ninth homer of the season highlights his ongoing power potential. His current .266 batting average and .397 wOBA suggest he remains a valuable asset in fantasy lineups, particularly in categories that reward power and on-base skills. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his performance closely, especially in leagues that penalize strikeouts.