Tarik Skubal’s Commitment to Team USA and the Detroit Tigers
In short, Tarik Skubal, the standout pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, has confirmed his intention to participate in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) by making a single appearance for Team USA. Despite the potential for extended play, Skubal is prioritizing his regular spring training routine with the Tigers as they gear up for the upcoming MLB season.
Press Briefing Insights
The two-time American League Cy Young Award recipient shared his plans with reporters during a press briefing in Lakeland, Florida, where spring training is in full swing. He expressed his desire to maintain momentum for Team USA while ultimately ensuring his readiness for the Tigers as the MLB season approaches.
“I didn’t want to announce this before to keep the focus on the WBC, but I’ll make just one start and then I’ll rejoin the Tigers for a few games,” he explained.
Skubal has not yet decided which games he might attend to support his teammates if they proceed to the finals, signaling his commitment to both the national and club teams.
Recent Performance and Upcoming Schedule
Recently, Skubal showcased his skills in his first Grapefruit League game, where he impressed with four strikeouts in two scoreless innings, despite the Tigers falling 3-0 to the Minnesota Twins. His next scheduled appearance for Detroit is against the Toronto Blue Jays, after which he will take the mound for Team USA in pool play in Houston. After this brief stint with the national team, Skubal will resume his spring training exclusively with the Tigers.
“There’s some risk, obviously, as I aim to pitch for Team USA, but I also recognize the importance of being present with my team as we prepare for the season. It’s really the best of both worlds, and I appreciate the support I’ve received for this arrangement.”
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead to the start of the season, Skubal, who is eligible for free agency this fall, is slated to lead the Tigers on March 26 during their season opener against the San Diego Padres. Earlier this month, he also won an arbitration case against the Tigers, which secured him a $32 million salary for the coming season rather than the initial offer of $19 million.
The WBC is set to run from March 5 to 17, with games held in various cities including Tokyo, Houston, San Juan, and Miami, where the finals will take place for the second consecutive time.
Skubal emphasized that his WBC involvement is structured to keep him within his regular training schedule, asserting,
“The goal of participating in the WBC is to maintain my usual workload during spring training and then return to keep preparing for opening day.”
As he heads into the season following a stellar 13-6 record and a 2.21 ERA last year, Skubal remains a key player to watch for both the Tigers and Team USA.
