UPDATE: Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is set to make his next start following a tense moment during Friday night’s game, where he exited due to tightness in his left side. The incident occurred during the Tigers’ 8-2 loss to the Miami Marlins, but manager A.J. Hinch confirmed that imaging tests returned negative results early Saturday.
Skubal, 28, threw 45 pitches over 31⁄3 innings, surrendering four hits and four earned runs without issuing any walks, while striking out two batters. His performance before the injury included a fourth-inning leadoff single by Heriberto Hernandez, after which he managed to retire Eric Wagaman on a fly out to center field.
In his own words, Skubal expressed concern about the unfamiliar tightness:
“There are some aches and pains that come and go when you’re out there playing. This one was new to me, and that’s kind of what made my decision for me.”
The reigning American League Cy Young Award winner is having another outstanding season, currently tied with Pirates ace Paul Skenes for the best fWAR among pitchers in the majors. This development is crucial for the AL Central-leading Tigers as they aim for a postseason push.
Fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Skubal’s health will be closely monitored leading up to his next start. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Tigers continue their season with high stakes.
