Rotation Shakeup: Teams Adjust Strategies Ahead of Deadline

WHO:

MLB.com - Right-handers Stephen Kolek and Luinder Avila will undergo Tommy John surgery.

MLB.com - Hunter Dobbins is now part of the Cardinals' starting rotation alongside Matthew Liberatore, Michael McGreevy, Kyle Leahy, and Andre Pallante.

ESPN - Scott Harris, president of baseball operations for the Tigers, stated, “We came into this very well prepared,” regarding the trade of Tarik Skubal.

MLB.com - Hunter Dobbins will join the Cardinals' starting rotation after the trade of Dustin May.

ESPN - Scott Harris, president of baseball operations for the Tigers, stated, “We came into this with a firm idea of the type of deal that we wanted to ultimately land.”

MLB.com - Brandon Sproat expressed frustration after a poor performance, stating, “Another bad day. Letting guys down again.”

ESPN - Scott Harris, president of baseball operations for the Tigers, stated, “We came into this very well prepared,” regarding the trade of Tarik Skubal.

MLB.com - Milwaukee Brewers, President of Baseball Operations Matt Arnold, Manager Pat Murphy, Brandon Sproat, Dustin May, Kyle Harrison, JoJo Romero, Antonio Senzatela, Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris, outfield prospect Zyhir Hope, River Ryan, Brady Smith, Casey Mize, Gleyber Torres, Kenley Jansen, Max Clark.

WHAT:

MLB.com - Kolek and Avila's surgeries will keep them sidelined until late into the 2027 season.

MLB.com - Avila posted a 5.53 ERA across 70 innings in 21 games this season.

MLB.com - Kolek had a 3.35 ERA in 2024, a 3.86 ERA in 2025, and a 3.51 ERA in 22 starts this season.

MLB.com - Dobbins had a 3.74 ERA in seven games with the Cardinals prior to his recent start against the Yankees, where he lasted 6 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on four hits.

ESPN - Tarik Skubal has a 2.79 ERA in 16 starts this year, striking out 116 batters in 96⅔ innings, and is expected to join the major league roster in September.

MLB.com - The Brewers traded right-hander Codi Heuer to the Orioles for cash and designated Carlos Rodriguez for assignment.

MLB.com - Dobbins had a 3.74 ERA in seven games with the Cardinals prior to his recent start against the Yankees.

MLB.com - The Brewers set a plan for Dustin May’s debut on August 8 against the Pirates.

ESPN - The Tigers traded Casey Mize to the San Diego Padres in exchange for 2024 first-round pick Kash Mayfield.

MLB.com - Brandon Sproat allowed four runs on five hits in three-plus innings during a game against the Pirates.

ESPN - Tarik Skubal has a 2.79 ERA in 16 starts this year, striking out 116 batters in 96⅔ innings.

ESPN - Skubal underwent a NanoScope procedure for bone chips in his left elbow and returned in about six weeks.

MLB.com - The Brewers acquired right-handed starter Dustin May and lefty reliever JoJo Romero from the Cardinals, and right-handed reliever Antonio Senzatela from the Rockies.

MLB.com - The Brewers traded outfield prospects Alexander Frias and Josiah Ragsdale to the Cardinals.

MLB.com - The Brewers traded right-hander Codi Heuer to the Orioles for cash.

ESPN - The Tigers traded Tarik Skubal to the Dodgers for prospects Zyhir Hope, River Ryan, and Brady Smith.

ESPN - Skubal has a 2.79 ERA in 16 starts this year, striking out 116 batters in 96⅔ innings.

ESPN - Skubal underwent a NanoScope procedure for bone chips in his left elbow and returned in about six weeks.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - The Brewers were willing to give up more in aggregate than the Dodgers for Skubal.

WHERE:

MLB.com - American Family Field, Milwaukee.

ESPN - Detroit, Michigan.

WHEN:

MLB.com - JoJo Romero is expected to be game-ready by the end of this month.

MLB.com - Dustin May is expected to make his Brewers debut on Thursday.

MLB.com - JoJo Romero is expected to be game-ready by the end of this month.

MLB.com - Kyle Harrison is set to return from the injured list on Wednesday.

MLB.com - Dustin May is expected to make his Brewers debut on Thursday.

ESPN - Skubal is expected to join the major league roster in September.

WHY:

MLB.com - The Royals did not trade starters Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo ahead of the Trade Deadline due to the need to rebuild their pitching staff after multiple injuries.

ESPN - Harris described the decision to trade Skubal as “irresponsible” not to do so given the market conditions.

ESPN - Scott Harris described the decision to trade Skubal as “irresponsible” not to do so given the market conditions.

MLB.com - The Brewers aimed to fortify their pitching staff with an especially young starting rotation.

ESPN - Scott Harris stated it would have been "irresponsible" not to trade Skubal and Mize given their markets.

HOW:

MLB.com - The Brewers made aggressive moves at the Trade Deadline to maintain their position as a top team, acquiring multiple pitchers to bolster their rotation and bullpen.

MLB.com - The Brewers made aggressive moves at the Trade Deadline to maintain their position as a top team.

ESPN - Harris emphasized that the market for top players is different, and the Tigers had a firm idea of the type of deal they wanted.

In a significant update from Major League Baseball, right-handers Stephen Kolek and Luinder Avila are set to undergo Tommy John surgery, which will keep them sidelined until late into the 2027 season. Avila has struggled this season with a 5.53 ERA over 70 innings in 21 games, while Kolek posted a 3.51 ERA in 22 starts this year, following a 3.35 ERA in 2024 and a 3.86 ERA in 2025. The Kansas City Royals opted not to trade starters Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo before the Trade Deadline, as they focus on rebuilding their pitching staff in light of these injuries.