Tigers' Tarik Skubal Dominant in First Spring Training Start

Two-time reigning AL Cy Young winner shines in 2-inning outing against Twins

Feb. 23, 2026 at 10:21pm

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Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, the two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, was impressive in his first spring training start, striking out four batters over 2 innings while allowing just 2 hits against the Minnesota Twins. Skubal is coming off a dominant 2025 season in which he led the majors in several key pitching categories.

Why it matters

Skubal's continued excellence is crucial for the Tigers, who are the favorites to win the AL Central division in 2026. As Skubal enters the final year of his contract before hitting free agency, his performance will be closely watched as he aims for a third straight Cy Young Award.

The details

Skubal threw 31 pitches in his 2-inning outing, 21 of them strikes. He relied primarily on his 96.5 mph fastball, while also mixing in changeups, sliders, sinkers, and a curveball. Skubal generated 8 whiffs on 19 swings, including 4 on his fastball, 3 on his changeup, and 1 on his sinker.

  • Skubal made his first spring training start on February 23, 2026.

The players

Tarik Skubal

A 29-year-old starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who has won the American League Cy Young Award in each of the last two seasons.

Minnesota Twins

The Detroit Tigers' opponent in Skubal's first spring training start.

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What they’re saying

“Final line for #Tigers starter Tarik Skubal: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K. 31 pitches, 21 strikes.”

— Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press writer (Detroit Free Press)

“Threw 14 four-seam fastballs, 8 changeups, 4 sliders, 4 sinkers, 1 curveball. Fastball averaged 96.5 mph. Generated 8 whiffs on 19 swings: 4 fastballs, 3 changeups, 1 sinker.”

— Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press writer (Detroit Free Press)

What’s next

Skubal is expected to make several more spring training starts as he prepares for the 2026 regular season, where he will look to win his third straight Cy Young Award.

The takeaway

Tarik Skubal's dominant spring training debut is a promising sign for the Tigers as they aim to capture the AL Central division title in 2026. Skubal's continued excellence will be crucial, especially with his impending free agency looming after the season.