Tarik Skubal threw 6 scoreless innings (helped by a Matt Vierling web gem) but Tigers hitters mustered two hits in a 6-1 loss.

Despite the loss, Scherzer still delivered seven quality innings and struck out eleven batters. Manager John Schneider added via Keegan Matheson, “The Thumb-O-Meter is good right now,” referencing the injury that cost Scherzer most of the first half. Scherzer also acknowledged that his pitch count reaching 96 was a good sign.

Addison Barger grounded out to first on the next pitch, and the threat was extinguished.

DETROIT -- Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk was injured after taking a foul ball off his mask in the second inning of Saturday’s game against the Detroit Tigers. Kirk was placed on the seven-day concussion injured list on Sunday.

A year ago, these were the bad days. Granted, there’s nothing good about trudging through an ugly, humid 11-4 loss that asked far too much of the bullpen -- particularly after a scary moment in the ni

Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman put on a vintage performance on Saturday to outdoes Tarik Skubal and the Tigers.

And there it was. That spark. That ignitor. That one big, scoreboard-changing swing that might lift the Tigers’ offense out of this recent morass.