The Detroit Tigers have notched back-to-back victories to partially revive their American League wild-card hopes.

But an off-the-field transaction late in Saturday's triumph will surely make the bid more challenging for a team five games below .500.

When the Tigers show up to play the Athletics on Sunday at West Sacramento, Calif., they will do so without two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal.

Skubal was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for three prospects during Saturday's 8-6 victory over the A's. The left-hander was in his seventh season with Detroit.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Skubal will be missed.

"It's been incredible," Hinch told reporters after the win. "I've watched this guy rise to the top of the sport. He's carried us a lot. I'll forever be grateful that our paths crossed and the things that he did for this organization and for a couple playoff teams."

Skubal is slated to be a free agent following the season.

He said he was excited about joining the Dodgers but also touched on disappointment over never pitching on baseball's biggest stage while with Detroit.

"The goal was always to win a World Series for the city, and for the organization that took a chance on me," Skubal said.

Right-hander Casey Mize could also be on the move prior to Monday's trade deadline. He was scratched from his Friday start to make sure he would be healthy throughout the deal period.

Detroit now figures to look ahead to brighter days behind 21-year-old rookies Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark. Both players were picked in the first round of the 2023 draft.

McGonigle, the 37th overall choice, made the Tigers out of spring training and is batting .290 with 11 homers and 41 RBIs. He went 3-for-4 with a homer and two RBIs in Saturday's victory.

Clark, the No. 3 overall pick, hit his first major league homer on Saturday, and is 5-for-9 with three RBIs and two doubles after his first two big league contests.

The three prospects heading to the Tigers are outfielder Zyhir Hope and right-handers River Ryan and Brady Smith.

The Athletics have dropped seven of eight games and 28 of their past 35 entering the finale of the three-game series. They were outscored 21-7 over the first two games.

Athletics All-Star Nick Kurtz sat out Saturday due to his right thumb injury flaring up and it is unclear if he will be available on Sunday.

Rookie Henry Bolte had three hits, including a three-run homer on Saturday. The homer was his first since July 7.

"I thought Henry had a great night," Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. "I thought, overall, his at-bats were quality (ones)."

Tommy White had a three-hit game to go with his two four-hit outings over his first 14 major league games.

Tigers right-hander Keider Montero (7-6, 3.34 ERA) opposes Athletics left-hander Gage Jump (4-6, 4.00) in the finale.

Montero had won four straight decisions before losing to the Baltimore Orioles on Monday. He gave up six runs (four earned) and nine hits over 4 1/3 innings.

Montero, 26, pitched against the A's for the first time on July 8 when he tossed 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief He gave up two hits, walked one and struck out one.

Jump is just 2-4 with a 5.24 ERA in seven home starts. On the road, he is 2-2 with a 2.51 ERA in five outings.

Jump, 23, defeated the visiting Boston Red Sox on Tuesday when he gave up three hits over six scoreless innings. He had lost his previous five starts.

The rookie has never faced the Tigers.

--Field Level Media