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Tarik Skubal's next start at Comerica Park could be his last as a Detroit Tiger. Yet the way he's been pitching and the Tigers keep winning, the chances keep increasing that he'll stick around the Motor City a couple more months.
Skubal made quick work of the Kansas City Royals Friday, July 24, striking out a season-high 12 and mowing through 7⅓ innings on 91 pitches as the Tigers defeated the Royals 2-1 for their 12th win in 16 games.
The victory moved Detroit to 50-54, the closest they've been to the .500 mark since they were 19-23 on May 12. They remained within six games of first place in the American League Central, and four games of the final wild card berth.
And that could be bad news for the rest of Major League Baseball's contenders.
More: Five MLB teams who will be most aggressive at 2026 trade deadline
Skubal, 29 and a free agent after this season, is by far the most anticipated potential trade chip this year. After the Tigers sank 16 games below .500 on May 31 as Skubal worked his way back from elbow surgery, it was widely assumed Skubal, if healthy, would certainly be available by the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
Skubal is plenty healthy and starting to approach his two-time Cy Young Award-winning form. Trouble is, the Tigers are playing far better ball, too.
They are 28-16 since June 1, and with each win they put on the board, must ponder the impact dealing their ace would have on their fan base.
For now, Detroit is enjoying Skubal's greatness, as 40,638 turned out on a 77-degree night at Comerica Park to watch him work.
Skubal allowed just six baserunners, giving up four hits and two walks, and his 12 strikeouts were his most since punching out a dozen Athletics in an 8-3 loss on Aug. 25, 2025. In seven starts since returning from May elbow surgery, Skubal has a 2.70 ERA and a 65-6 strikeout-walk ratio.
And he's only picking up steam.
Skubal was coming off a seven-inning shutout effort against the Los Angeles Angels, and another dominant start like his last two, and it'd be hard to dispute he's returned to his Cy Young-winning form.
On one hand, that greatly enhances his trade value. On the other? Well, the Tigers compete in the notoriously weak AL Central, in one of the worst seasons the AL overall has experienced perhaps this century. Holding on to Skubal gives them a far better shot at a third consecutive playoff berth.
That's why each Tigers game from now until the deadline takes on added import. For now, Skubal is lined up to pitch Wednesday, July 29 against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park.
After that, the Tigers hit the road and Skubal's next start will come shortly after the deadline. And every time he takes the ball, it seems to enhance the chances he'll be suiting up in a Tigers uniform Aug. 4.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tarik Skubal, Tigers win again. That's bad news for rest of MLB | Opinion
Continue reading...
Skubal made quick work of the Kansas City Royals Friday, July 24, striking out a season-high 12 and mowing through 7⅓ innings on 91 pitches as the Tigers defeated the Royals 2-1 for their 12th win in 16 games.
The victory moved Detroit to 50-54, the closest they've been to the .500 mark since they were 19-23 on May 12. They remained within six games of first place in the American League Central, and four games of the final wild card berth.
And that could be bad news for the rest of Major League Baseball's contenders.
More: Five MLB teams who will be most aggressive at 2026 trade deadline
Skubal, 29 and a free agent after this season, is by far the most anticipated potential trade chip this year. After the Tigers sank 16 games below .500 on May 31 as Skubal worked his way back from elbow surgery, it was widely assumed Skubal, if healthy, would certainly be available by the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
Skubal is plenty healthy and starting to approach his two-time Cy Young Award-winning form. Trouble is, the Tigers are playing far better ball, too.
They are 28-16 since June 1, and with each win they put on the board, must ponder the impact dealing their ace would have on their fan base.
For now, Detroit is enjoying Skubal's greatness, as 40,638 turned out on a 77-degree night at Comerica Park to watch him work.
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Skubal allowed just six baserunners, giving up four hits and two walks, and his 12 strikeouts were his most since punching out a dozen Athletics in an 8-3 loss on Aug. 25, 2025. In seven starts since returning from May elbow surgery, Skubal has a 2.70 ERA and a 65-6 strikeout-walk ratio.
And he's only picking up steam.
Skubal was coming off a seven-inning shutout effort against the Los Angeles Angels, and another dominant start like his last two, and it'd be hard to dispute he's returned to his Cy Young-winning form.
On one hand, that greatly enhances his trade value. On the other? Well, the Tigers compete in the notoriously weak AL Central, in one of the worst seasons the AL overall has experienced perhaps this century. Holding on to Skubal gives them a far better shot at a third consecutive playoff berth.
That's why each Tigers game from now until the deadline takes on added import. For now, Skubal is lined up to pitch Wednesday, July 29 against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park.
After that, the Tigers hit the road and Skubal's next start will come shortly after the deadline. And every time he takes the ball, it seems to enhance the chances he'll be suiting up in a Tigers uniform Aug. 4.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tarik Skubal, Tigers win again. That's bad news for rest of MLB | Opinion
Continue reading...
