LAKELAND, Fla. — Team USA is taking a star-studded pitching staff into the World Baseball Classic, but at least one of the team’s aces won’t be there for the duration of the tournament.
Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal said Monday he will make only one start in WBC pool play before returning to his normal routine at Tigers camp.
“I’m making one start,” Skubal said. “The reason I didn’t announce it (originally) is I wanted to keep momentum on the WBC. I’m making one start, then I’ll stick around for a few games. I haven’t determined what games I’m going to watch. If they go to the finals, I think I’m going to try and lobby to just go watch and be with the guys.”
Skubal agreed to join Team USA and pitch in the WBC thanks in part to Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes, who spoke with Skubal at MLBPA meetings this past December. Team USA and manager Mark DeRosa entered this spring touting a pitching staff that features the reigning Cy Young Award winners from both leagues, an especially notable development after previous years where the team struggled to get participation from premier American players.
Pitchers in particular can be hesitant to pitch in the World Baseball Classic because of how the games can alter their workload and typical spring routines.
“I think everything is going to stay the same,” Skubal said after his first outing of spring training. “I’m not ramping up earlier than I need to. I don’t want that narrative out there. I’m treating it as I’m going to Team USA, making a start, coming back to Lakeland and getting ready for Opening Day.”
Skubal is entering his final year of team control with the Tigers. In addition to a looming free agency that could result in the 29-year-old becoming the league’s highest-paid pitcher, Skubal plays for a Tigers team with World Series aspirations.
He wanted to represent his country in the tournament, but he’s also keeping his focus with the Tigers this spring.
Team USA begins its WBC slate March 6 against Brazil.
“That was the communication I had with those guys,” Skubal said. “‘Hey, listen, there’s some risk.’ Obviously, I’m trying to do both things, trying to pitch for Team USA, but I understand the need to be here with these guys and get ready for the season. I think it’s kind of the best of both worlds in that aspect, and I’m grateful they took me in that capacity.”