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Tigers Ace Skubal to Make Single Start for Team USA in WBC
Skubal plans to focus on regular spring training regimen with Detroit Tigers
Feb. 24, 2026 at 6:48am
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Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, a two-time AL Cy Young Award winner, plans to make only one start for the United States in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Skubal wants to remain on a regular spring training regimen and ramp up for the Tigers' opening day, making his lone WBC appearance late next week during pool play in Houston.
Why it matters
Skubal's decision to limit his WBC participation reflects a growing trend among top MLB pitchers who want to prioritize their preparation for the regular season over international tournament play. This highlights the challenges of balancing national team commitments with club team obligations during spring training.
The details
Skubal made his first Grapefruit League start for the Tigers on Monday, striking out four over two scoreless innings. He is expected to pitch for Detroit again on Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays before making his lone WBC start late next week. After that, all of Skubal's remaining spring outings will be with the Tigers as he ramps up for the season opener on March 26 in San Diego.
- Skubal made his first Grapefruit League start on Monday, February 24, 2026.
- Skubal is expected to pitch for the Tigers again on Sunday, February 29, 2026.
- Skubal will make his lone WBC start late next week during pool play in Houston.
The players
Tarik Skubal
A two-time AL Cy Young Award winner and ace of the Detroit Tigers pitching staff.
Detroit Tigers
The Major League Baseball team that Skubal plays for, based in Lakeland, Florida.
What they’re saying
“The whole point of me doing the WBC was to make sure that I could stay on a normal workload of a spring training regimen and be able to make a start for Team USA and then come back here and continue my normal routine to get ready for opening day.”
— Tarik Skubal
What’s next
Skubal is scheduled to start the Tigers' season opener on March 26 in San Diego.
The takeaway
Skubal's decision to limit his WBC participation reflects the increasing difficulty for top MLB pitchers to balance national team commitments with their primary responsibility to prepare for the regular season with their club teams. This trend highlights the ongoing challenges of international tournaments during spring training.
