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Pitching Health and Ace Performances Reshape Late-May MLB Outcomes

Injured aces, thin bullpens, and prospect call-ups have prompted rotation changes that are shifting results, altering trade value.

Overview

  • Tarik Skubal has resumed on-mound work after arthroscopic elbow surgery in a simulated outing the Tigers called encouraging as they manage a careful ramp-up for the club’s top asset.
  • The Detroit Tigers remain near the bottom of the AL Central after a poor stretch of results in May, deepening questions about whether Skubal’s return can reverse their slide.
  • Phillies right-hander Cristopher Sánchez has produced an extended scoreless innings run that several outlets called a franchise record even though reported inning totals differ across coverage.
  • Pirates ace Paul Skenes struck out 10 batters and fanned seven of the first eight he faced, but defensive errors led to unearned runs and a loss that left his ERA improved but his record worse.
  • Team bullpens and rotations are being tested leaguewide: the Red Sox placed Garrett Whitlock on the injured list before a lopsided loss to the Braves, and the Astros closed a 7-3 road trip while expecting key pitching returns that could sustain their momentum.