This blog post digs into Tarik Skubal’s choice to play in the World Baseball Classic, but only in a limited role. He’s keeping his eyes on the Detroit Tigers’ upcoming season, too.
The two-time defending AL Cy Young Award winner talked at Tigers spring training down in Florida. He explained how he’s juggling international play with his Detroit responsibilities, saying he’ll probably make just one WBC start for Team USA during pool play in Houston.
Skubal’s WBC plan and Tigers’ workload: a careful balancing act
Tarik Skubal said his single WBC appearance will happen during pool play. That’s a calculated move—he wants to help Team USA but doesn’t want to mess up his prep for the Tigers’ long season.
The pool games in Houston include Brazil (March 6), Great Britain (March 7), Mexico (March 9), and Italy (March 10) at Daikin Park. Skubal’s outing lines up with his spring training schedule and fits what the Tigers need from him back in Florida.
Daikin Park hosts those early matchups, and it gives Team USA a chance to get sharp before the season really gets rolling in Detroit.
Skubal made it clear—staying with his Tigers teammates before Opening Day is still a top priority. Representing his country is a big deal, but he’s not letting it pull him away from Detroit’s plans.
If Team USA makes it to the finals in Miami on March 17, he said he’d try to be there as a fan. He wants to support the squad, but he’s not about to let that Miami run throw off the Tigers’ push for a strong year.
Team USA roster notes and its impact on Skubal’s role
Team USA’s roster for the WBC brings together established veterans and a few rising arms. There are several postseason-rotation-options-beyond-tarik-skubal/”>rotation anchors in the mix, and Skubal is right there with them.
He’ll have his appearances carefully scheduled. Detroit wants to preserve his health and keep him sharp for their own push.
Here are the fellow starters on the Team USA staff that keep coming up in coverage and team chatter:
- Paul Skenes
- Joe Ryan
- Matthew Boyd
- Logan Webb
- Clay Holmes
- Nolan McLean
With these names around him, Skubal’s not carrying the whole load. Team USA has real depth, and the staff will probably spread out innings to avoid overworking anyone in international play.
For Skubal, the plan is to pitch meaningfully in Houston, but not to the point where it affects what Detroit needs from him this season. The Tigers have big hopes, and they’ll want him fresh.
On the business side, Skubal’s 2024 is no small story. He’ll make $32 million after winning his arbitration case, which really highlights just how much Detroit expects from their ace.
Last year, Skubal posted a 13-6 record with a 2.21 ERA and racked up 241 strikeouts over 195 1/3 innings. The Tigers made the postseason and suddenly looked like a serious threat in the AL again.
Detroit opens the regular season at home against the San Diego Padres on March 26. That first game might say a lot about whether the Tigers can turn last year’s spark into something lasting.
Here is the source article for this story: Tigers’ Tarik Skubal says he’ll make one start for U.S. in WBC
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