DETROIT: This season, Tarik Skubal’s appearances at Comerica Park have been met with standing ovations on a frequent basis. Nevertheless, the 35,138 spectators made sure to express their gratitude as the Tigers left-hander left the field following seven innings of two-run ball on Saturday in Detroit’s 7-2 victory over Minnesota.
What a setting, remarked Skubal. “It was excellent. It went really well last night, and I’m excited to play in front of the same crowd tomorrow and for the upcoming series.
Skubal is likely to return to the mound here on Friday to face the Royals. However, with Tuesday’s MLB Trade Deadline approaching, the Tigers in the midst of a trade, and Skubal drawing interest from rival teams with strong development systems, supporters did not wait to express their gratitude—perhaps, just in case.
This was not how manager A.J. Hinch or Skubal saw it. Rather than seeing this to be the end, they want to look forward. Skubal hinted subtly that he looked forward to seeing more groups like this one.
“I’ve always heard that, for any team, the playoffs here are about as electric as they get,” Skubal remarked. That is the objective. Play there is where you should be. The playoffs will undoubtedly be more rowdy and boisterous. It’s something I’m excited to accomplish.
That is the objective. How this team and the front office get there is the challenge.
Hinch remarked, “I love what we’re building here, but I want to win every game and stop talking about building.” Tarik’s abilities are well beyond what we are currently able to see. He’s garnering a lot of interest. He is now an All-Star.
“You notice, I notice, the spectators notice, and the opposing team notices that Tarik Skubal is on the mound when [his moment] comes around. Not every pitcher in the league can be described in that way. You discuss only the best, very small portion of pitches where you respond in that manner. We also have one.
President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris would probably need to receive a huge haul in exchange for the Tigers to give up that, giving up two more years of club control before Skubal could become a free agent. This kind of haul would not only strengthen an organization that already relies heavily on young talent, but would also quickly improve Detroit. For a guy who has attracted interest from some of the most logical, analytically-driven front offices in the game, it’s an unreasonable return. Even if the Orioles could still move more, it is probably reflected in the trade they made with the Rays for Zach Eflin, another starter.
Skubal has continued to ignore the gossip in favor of the mound. From his lengthy toss in the outfield to his bounding up the dugout steps and onto the field for the opening pitch, he displayed no differences in his pregame routine.
“It appeared to be an ordinary Skube Day,” stated catcher Jake Rogers.
Following a stumble in the first inning, Skubal produced the kind of performance that fans have come to expect from him this summer. Seven pitches in, Skubal was behind 2-0 thanks to a leadoff single to Manuel Margot and Royce Lewis’s 11th home run of the season on a first-pitch slider over the plate. For the remainder of the game, Skubal gave up three singles and two walks while recording eight strikeouts in his sixth straight strong start, four of which came in seven innings.
Skubal’s ERA, which was 2.34 entering the game, was pushed to 2.35 by the Twins’ first inning damage, which is still the lowest among eligible MLB starters.
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli remarked, “It’s hard to really get anything going off of Skubal; he’s that tough.” “And he did a great job throwing the ball today. This was not your average game, Mr. Smith. Tarik Skubal, this was textbook stuff.
Before Skubal’s final inning, Colt Keith had tripled home Matt Vierling in the sixth and scored on a sacrifice fly by Mark Canha. Javier Báez drove in two runs, his third home run of the day, after Skubal had retired the Twins in order in the seventh, and Keith’s two-run blast ended the game.
Skubal is becoming a must-watch event as the Tigers limp down the home stretch, down to three starting pitchers due to injury and having placed All-Star outfielder Riley Greene on the 10-day disabled list on Friday with a right hamstring strain. Everyone in Detroit, including the fans, is hoping for more.
“When everything is starting to come together, it’s such a great atmosphere here: the weather is fantastic, we’re facing a strong team, Tarik Skubal is starting on the mound, and the team is performing much better,” Hinch remarked. And we answer back. What a good time tonight.
