Tigers' Skubal rejoins team after World Baseball Classic

Pitcher Tarik Skubal to make next start on Saturday after playing for Team USA

Mar. 10, 2026 at 6:33pm

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Tarik Skubal, the Tigers' star pitcher and back-to-back American League Cy Young Award winner, will make his next start on Saturday after returning from playing for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. The Tigers and Skubal had planned his Spring Training schedule to accommodate his WBC appearance, but the timing became an issue as Skubal tried to balance his commitments to both teams. Skubal is eager to rejoin the Tigers and get ready for the upcoming season.

Why it matters

Skubal's participation in the World Baseball Classic was a great honor, but the Tigers needed to ensure he was properly prepared for the start of the MLB season. By sticking to the original plan, the team can ease Skubal back into his regular routine without disrupting his Spring Training schedule too much.

The details

Skubal will make his next start on Saturday for the Tigers, just down the road in Dunedin against the Blue Jays. This will come on six days' rest after his start for Team USA last Saturday against Great Britain. The extra days were built in to account for travel. Skubal will make one more Spring Training start before the Tigers break camp and he prepares for Opening Day in San Diego.

  • Skubal will make his next start on Saturday, March 16, 2026.
  • Skubal made a start for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic on Saturday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Tarik Skubal

The Tigers' star pitcher and back-to-back American League Cy Young Award winner.

A.J. Hinch

The manager of the Detroit Tigers.

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What they’re saying

“I talked to Tarik a few days in a row and listened to him. He asked me a few questions, and as he was processing this entire situation, I felt like my duty was to be a sounding board for him and kind of lay out what the original plan was and the impact if things change for whatever reason.”

— A.J. Hinch, Tigers Manager (mlb.com)

“I mean, this is a special time for players in a very difficult time in their buildup for the season. I love hearing [Skubal's] passion and the intensity of the games, being in that clubhouse and being around that team. He earned the right to be in that room.”

— A.J. Hinch, Tigers Manager (mlb.com)

What’s next

Skubal will make one more Spring Training start before the Tigers break camp and he prepares for Opening Day in San Diego. He can also join Team USA between Spring Training starts to be with the team for the semifinals and finals in Miami.

The takeaway

Skubal's participation in the World Baseball Classic was a valuable experience, but the Tigers needed to ensure he was properly prepared for the start of the MLB season. By sticking to the original plan, the team can ease Skubal back into his regular routine without disrupting his Spring Training schedule too much.