Tigers' Tarik Skubal Returns to Arizona Roots

Cy Young winner Skubal's mentorship influences veteran ace Verlander

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:50pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in vibrant navy blue, orange, and white colors.Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal's dominant pitching motion inspires veteran teammate Justin Verlander to adopt his training regimen.Phoenix Today

Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, has returned to his home state of Arizona for spring training. Skubal's veteran teammate Justin Verlander, a future Hall of Famer, has been heavily influenced by Skubal's training regimen and is now trying to emulate the younger pitcher's program.

Why it matters

Skubal's homecoming to Arizona highlights his rise to stardom in the major leagues, going from a young prospect to one of the game's elite pitchers. The relationship between Skubal and Verlander also showcases the veteran-mentee dynamic in baseball, where experienced players can learn from the new generation of talent.

The details

Skubal, who grew up in the Phoenix area, is back in Arizona for spring training with the Tigers. Verlander, his veteran teammate, has been so impressed with Skubal's training methods and success that he says he's 'trying to be like him' and has 'pretty much adopted Skubal's entire program'.

  • Skubal and the Tigers are in Arizona for spring training in March 2026.

The players

Tarik Skubal

A two-time Cy Young Award winning pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, who is from the Phoenix, Arizona area.

Justin Verlander

A future Hall of Fame pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, who is heavily influenced by Skubal's training regimen and success.

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What they’re saying

“I've pretty much adopted Skubal's entire program. I'm just trying to be like him.”

— Justin Verlander

The takeaway

Skubal's homecoming to Arizona highlights his remarkable rise to becoming one of the game's elite pitchers, and the mentorship relationship between him and veteran Verlander showcases how the next generation of talent can influence even the most experienced players.