DETROIT - Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal announced Monday that his participation with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic will be limited to a single start. The reigning two-time American League Cy Young winner will pitch during the tournament’s pool play before returning to the Tigers to prepare for the Major League Baseball season.
Skubal confirmed the plan during spring training in Florida, stating he is prioritizing his readiness for the Tigers’ upcoming season. Detroit is scheduled to open its regular season on March 26 against the San Diego Padres.
Skubal spoke with reporters from the team’s spring training facility in Lakeland, Fla. He expressed a desire to balance his national team duties with his responsibilities to the Tigers.
“I’m trying to do both things, trying to pitch for Team USA, but I understand the need to be here with these guys and get ready for the season,” Skubal said to the Athletic. He described the arrangement as “the best of both worlds” and noted he was grateful to be accepted in that capacity.
The pitcher also indicated he would like to remain involved with the national team even after his playing stint concludes. “If they go to the finals, I think I’m going to try and lobby to just go watch and be with the guys,” Skubal said. The tournament finals are scheduled to take place in Miami, which is located in the same state as the Tigers’ spring training home.
The departure of Skubal after the opening round will leave Team USA without one of its premier starters for the knockout stages. The national team continues to carry a deep roster of nine starting pitchers. This group includes reigning National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes, two-time All-Star Logan Webb, and All-Star Joe Ryan.
Team USA aims to improve upon its performance in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where the team lost to Japan on the final at-bat of the championship game. The addition of several high-profile pitchers was intended to provide an advantage in high-leverage elimination games.
The Tigers are limiting Skubal’s exposure to injury and workload following a season in which the team secured a wild-card berth. Detroit defeated the Cleveland Guardians in the wild-card round before being eliminated by the Seattle Mariners in the divisional round. The Tigers are projected to be contenders for the American League Central title in 2026.
Team USA will begin pool play against Brazil on March 6. This follows exhibition games against the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies. The World Baseball Classic finals are scheduled for March 17. Detroit will then open its regular season against the San Diego Padres on March 26.