Tarik Skubal Injury Update: Tigers Lefty Explains Early Exit

The Detroit Tigers got a double dose of bad news in their September 12 matchup against the Miami Marlins. Ace pitcher Tarik Skubal left the game with an apparent injury, and shortstop Javier Báez exited soon after with a facial injury.

Skubal, last year’s AL Cy Young Award winner, felt discomfort in his left side and pulled himself from the game. That’s the first time he’s ever done that, which says a lot.

With the Tigers fighting for a playoff spot, his health suddenly hangs over the team like a cloud. Fans and coaches are already bracing for updates.

Skubal’s Sudden Exit Sends Shockwaves Through Detroit

Skubal looked sharp early, but something changed when he warmed up before the fourth inning. He felt a sharp, unfamiliar pain along his left side—definitely not the usual pitcher’s aches.

He managed just 3⅓ innings, throwing 45 pitches and giving up three runs, including two homers. His velocity dipped, his rhythm vanished, and he finally waved over manager A.J. Hinch and catcher Jake Rogers to let them know something was off.

Both Hinch and Rogers saw the urgency. They know the Tigers’ playoff dreams rest heavily on Skubal’s arm.

First Self-Removal of Skubal’s Career

Injuries happen, but Skubal has never yanked himself from a game before. Since coming back to the rotation in 2023, he’s been one of the most reliable starters in the American League.

That made this moment even more unsettling. If Skubal says he can’t go, it’s serious.

Hinch didn’t hesitate—he wouldn’t even let Skubal throw a warm-up pitch after calling for the trainer. Now Skubal faces a round of medical tests to figure out what’s going on.

Everyone’s left waiting, hoping for the best but bracing for the worst.

Javier Báez Adds to the Tigers’ Injury Concerns

Right after Skubal left, Javier Báez suffered his own scare. He fouled a pitch straight off his face and had to leave the field immediately.

Initial tests showed no concussion, which is a relief. Still, Báez is listed as day-to-day while swelling goes down.

A One-Two Punch the Tigers Couldn’t Afford

Losing Skubal and Báez in back-to-back innings? That’s just brutal. With the AL Wild Card race heating up, Detroit really needs both guys on the field.

Báez’s injury seems less serious, but it still highlights how fragile rosters can get in September. Depth will get tested, and Hinch will have to make some tough calls.

The Stakes Heading Into the Season’s Final Weeks

Skubal isn’t just Detroit’s ace—he’s one of the league’s most dominant pitchers. As last year’s Cy Young winner, his 2024 campaign has anchored the Tigers’ playoff push.

If he can’t pitch at full strength, Detroit’s postseason odds take a big hit. It’s a tense moment for a team that’s come this far.

Key Takeaways for Tigers Fans

Official updates haven’t dropped yet, but this could be a big moment for Detroit’s season. Tigers fans should keep a few things in mind:

• Skubal’s health is paramount — The playoff chase really depends on how fast and well he can return.
• Báez’s status is encouraging — Even after a scary moment, there’s hope he’ll get back in the lineup soon.
• The schedule will test depth — Injuries open doors for role players, so it’s their time to step up and show what they’ve got.

Detroit sits in a tricky spot as everyone waits for news on Tarik Skubal. It’s September, so every pitch and at-bat feels like it’s under a microscope.

Right now, nothing matters more for the Tigers than keeping their ace healthy.

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Here is the source article for this story: Tarik Skubal injury: Lefty talks early departure: ‘This one was new to me’