Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal started for Team USA in their 2026 World Baseball Classic pool stage game against Great Britain on Saturday. The southpaw gave up a home run on his very first pitch but remained solid for three innings, striking out five and giving up just two hits.
Skubal made it clear that he’s available to pitch for only one game in the tournament. The decision was made keeping in mind the long MLB season ahead of his first free agency. However, it appears the decision is not set in stone yet.
After his start against Great Britain, Skubal said that he will once again consider starting another game in this tournament.
“This is gonna be one of the tougher decisions I’ve made in my career so far,” he said. “I didn’t expect these types of emotions to run through my brain, or my thoughts to differ. I was pretty committed to making a start and getting back to camp. Things have changed, obviously. That’s why I’m gonna have some conversations and try to figure out a plan for me. But yeah, I don’t know either way.”
Skubal is one of the best pitchers in the MLB at the moment as he won back-to-back Cy Youngs. Team USA will benefit if he stays on for the knockout stages of the tournament.
Tarik Skubal’s Team USA Status Gets Disappointing Update
Just a day after he made the statement, Team USA’s manager Mark DeRosa confirmed Tarik Skubal is not sticking around and has returned to the Tigers camp. This means Team USA will be one member thin in the rotation. They have Logan Webb, Paul Skenes, and Nolan McLean. Cubs ace Matthew Boyd will likely get a start as well, should Team USA advance in the tournament.
Skubal’s decision is tied to various factors in play. He doesn’t want to give any chance for a potential injury since he has not been built up enough. He’s going to become a free agent before the year is over and is eyeing a massive payday, possibly becoming the highest-earning pitcher in the history of MLB.
Previously, Skubal has also vouched for conducting the WBC in the middle of the MLB season, as they do in hockey. This way, the pitchers are already accommodated to pitch deeper, as opposed to the current situation, where they are throwing in the bullpen to get their arm ready.
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