Thu Sep 18 19:00:00 UTC 2025: **Guardians Aim for Sweep, But Tigers’ Skubal Gamble Raises Eyebrows**

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Guardians face a crucial game Thursday as they look to complete a series sweep against the division-leading Detroit Tigers. However, their path to victory won’t be easy, as the Tigers are sending left-handed ace Tarik Skubal to the mound.

Skubal has historically performed well against Cleveland, boasting a 3-2 record with a 2.50 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 10 career appearances. Despite his impressive numbers, some question the Tigers’ decision to start Skubal, who has been dealing with tightness on his left side.

“That’s a risk for them,” said Guardians analyst Bruce Drennan on BIGPLAY Sports Network. “Are the Tigers making a mistake by starting Tarik Skubal today, who isn’t 100% healthy?”

The Guardians will counter with Tanner Bibee, who is 2-3 with a 4.30 ERA in 7 career appearances against the Tigers. Bibee is coming off an impressive complete-game shutout against the Chicago White Sox and will need to replicate that performance to help Cleveland close the gap in the AL Central standings.

A win for the Guardians would bring them within 3.5 games of the Tigers. Meanwhile, the Braves have been playing great baseball as of late, winning their past five games. The Tigers are banking that Skubal can get them a win on Thursday, but the Guardians have scarcely been able to put up runs on him in the past.

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