Tarik Skubal Cleared for Next Start After Left Side Tightness
Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is set to make his next start following a brief exit during Friday’s game against the Miami Marlins due to what was described as left side tightness. The announcement came from Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, who confirmed that Skubal underwent tests and has been cleared, although he will continue to be monitored in the upcoming days.
Skubal’s scare occurred in the fourth inning when he appeared to grab at his rib cage after delivering a pitch. He subsequently called for the trainer before leaving the mound, raising concerns among fans and team officials. “I’m obviously going to be optimistic,” Skubal stated post-game. “I understand that I took myself out of a game and that’s the first time I’ve ever done that in my career, so I understand that there’s some sort of concern.”
In the 2023 season, Skubal has been impressive, compiling a 2.26 ERA and an exceptional 8.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 29 starts. His performance has earned him an estimated 6.3 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), positioning him as a frontrunner for his second consecutive Cy Young Award.
Potential Injury Implications and Team Context
Had Skubal sustained an oblique injury, his availability for the remainder of the season, as well as the playoffs, would have been highly uncertain. According to data from Baseball Prospectus, pitchers with oblique strains typically miss an average of 47 days. This would have posed serious difficulties for a Tigers pitching rotation already featuring Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize, and Charlie Morton.
As of Saturday, the Tigers hold an 84-64 record, giving them a 7.5-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central. The team is also competing with the Toronto Blue Jays for home-field advantage throughout the AL playoffs, adding further significance to Skubal’s return.
The Tigers are scheduled to finish the regular season with two more games against the Marlins, followed by six games against the Guardians, and three-game series against both the Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox.
Significance of the Situation
Skubal’s health is pivotal not only for the Tigers’ immediate future but also for their postseason aspirations. His ongoing performance has been a key factor in the team’s success this season, and any loss could have significant ramifications. As the Tigers look to solidify their playoff positioning, the return of a healthy Skubal could enhance their competitive edge and improve their chances for a deep postseason run. The focus in the coming days will be on his recovery and readiness to engage in critical games that will determine the Tigers’ playoff fate.
With the season nearing its conclusion, every game counts, making the health and performance of star players like Skubal more crucial than ever for the Tigers’ ambitions this year.
