A confusing date matters for Tigers' trade plans with Tarik Skubal

Whether or not the Detroit Tigers trade Tarik Skubal remains a massive question as MLB's deadline approaches this summer.

But the actual date of the deadline is going to throw a few people off as the rumors and speculation continue.

The trade deadline has most often fallen on the last day in July, the 31st.

It's not in July at all this year.

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When is the MLB trade deadline?

The MLB trade deadline falls on August 3 this year. 

That's a Monday, which is a day of the week the league often appreciates having the deadline on.

And while it being three days later than usual may not matter a ton from a decision-making standpoint, it does matter from a timing standpoint.

Fans are used to the idea of seeing what their team looks like on August 1 and knowing that's what it'll be like for the rest of the year.

This year, that's pushed back a few days.

It's a few extra days for Skubal suspense to grow. It's also a few more days for the Tigers to win games, or lose games, in a way that decides their final direction.

A few weeks out from the deadline, it's simply worth noting that the timing on this won't be exactly what everyone is used to.

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