Tigers' Tarik Skubal to leave Team USA for Tigers camp

Pitcher will not pitch in another WBC game after Monday's matchup with Mexico

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal will be returning to the team's spring training camp in Lakeland, Florida after playing for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Team USA manager Mark DeRosa announced Skubal's decision to reporters on Monday.

Why it matters

Skubal's departure from Team USA means he will not pitch in any additional WBC games, which could impact his preparation for the upcoming MLB season with the Tigers. The Tigers will want to closely monitor Skubal's workload and recovery as he transitions back to their camp.

The details

Skubal had been pitching for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, but Tigers manager AJ Hinch said the decision for Skubal to return to Tigers camp was not his to announce. Instead, Team USA manager Mark DeRosa broke the news to reporters on Monday, stating that Skubal would not pitch in any more WBC games after their matchup with Mexico.

  • Skubal will return to Tigers camp after Team USA's game against Mexico on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Tarik Skubal

A left-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who was playing for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

AJ Hinch

The manager of the Detroit Tigers.

Mark DeRosa

The manager of Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“He's in a good place.”

— Mark DeRosa, Team USA Manager (wn.com)

What’s next

The Tigers will monitor Skubal's workload and recovery as he transitions back to their spring training camp after leaving Team USA.

The takeaway

Skubal's departure from Team USA highlights the delicate balance teams must strike between allowing their players to represent their countries in international competitions while also protecting their health and preparation for the upcoming MLB season.