BASEBALL: Tigers’ Tarik Skubal won’t pitch again for U.S. in WBC

Tarik Skubal’s World Baseball Classic stint was planned to be brief, and the left-hander is sticking to that script.

Team USA manager Mark DeRosa confirmed that Skubal will leave the team after Monday’s game to return to the Detroit Tigers’ spring training camp in Florida.

The two-time reigning American League Cy Young winner had hinted at pitching another game after enjoying his first WBC experience. Skubal started Team USA’s second Pool B game, striking out five and allowing one run on two hits over three innings against Great Britain. He did not get a decision as the Americans won 9-1.

Leaving the team was “one of the tougher decisions I’ve made in my career,” Skubal said, noting that following his spring training schedule—which included only one WBC start—was the wisest move.

“Obviously, when I got here, my emotions kind of changed a little bit, my thought process changed a little bit and tried to make it work, but just couldn’t,” he said. “And I hate it, but it’s all right.”

Skubal admitted he underestimated the intensity and camaraderie of the WBC.

“Spending a week with these guys, it feels like I’ve been teammates with them for a very long time,” he said. “There’s no ego in the clubhouse, and everyone has one goal of trying to win. I didn’t expect that, I guess.”

The pitcher also hinted that this may not be his last appearance for Team USA. “I love America. I love our country and love everything this tournament is about,” he said. “I’ll be the first to sign up for the ’28 Olympics if they want to have me and we figure out the timing of it.”

Before making his decision, Skubal consulted with Team USA captain Aaron Judge, other veterans, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, and his agent Scott Boras. He said his teammates were supportive of his choice to step away while remaining involved with the team.

“I know what’s at stake for him,” DeRosa said. “I’m over the moon he decided to show in the first place for us and take the ball. It meant a lot to a lot of guys in that room. We know where his heart is. If he was in a different situation, he wouldn’t be leaving.”

Team USA entered Monday night’s game against Mexico with a 2-0 record in pool play, competing with unbeaten Italy and Mexico for two spots in the knockout round.

—Field Level Media/Reuters