Tarik Skubal to Attend WBC Final for Team USA vs Venezuela

But it's unclear if the Detroit Tigers pitcher will see any game action.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:51am

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Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal will be on the roster for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic final against Venezuela on Tuesday night in Miami. However, it's uncertain whether Skubal will actually take the mound and pitch in the championship game.

Why it matters

Skubal's potential appearance in the WBC final would be a high-profile opportunity for the young Tigers star to showcase his talents on the international stage, but his role and playing time remain unclear with other top pitchers like Paul Skenes also on the USA roster.

The details

Skubal, who has been a standout for the Detroit Tigers over the past few seasons, was named to the 28-man USA roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The left-hander will travel with the team to Miami for the championship game against Venezuela on March 19th. However, it's uncertain if Skubal will actually see any playing time, as manager Mike Matheny has a deep pitching staff to choose from, including Skenes who dominated the Dominican Republic in the semifinals.

  • The 2026 World Baseball Classic final will take place on Tuesday, March 19th in Miami, Florida.

The players

Tarik Skubal

A left-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who has been selected to the USA roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic final.

Paul Skenes

A pitcher for Team USA who had a standout performance in the semifinals against the Dominican Republic.

Mike Matheny

The manager of the USA baseball team competing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“I just can't miss an opportunity to share a dugout with these guys.”

— Tarik Skubal (Newsweek)

What’s next

Manager Mike Matheny will decide Skubal's role and playing time leading up to the championship game against Venezuela on Tuesday.

The takeaway

Tarik Skubal's inclusion on the USA roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic final is a testament to his talent, but his actual participation in the game remains uncertain as the team has a deep pitching staff to choose from.