9/13/25 UPDATE: Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said tests came back clean on Skubal’s injury. As of now, the pitcher plans to make his next start as scheduled.
UPDATE: Skubal left the game due to left side tightness.
During the fourth inning of Friday’s game against the Miami Marlins, Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal exited early accompanied by a team trainer. The reason he left the game has not yet been announced.
Skubal’s early departure obviously doesn’t bode well for the Tigers with just a few weeks remaining until the MLB Postseason. The left-handed hurler boasts a 13-4 record, 2.21 ERA and 224 strikeouts as the ace for the American League Central leaders and appeared to be on his way to his second consecutive AL Cy Young award. Among all qualified MLB pitchers, Skubal ranks first in WHIP at 0.86 as well as second in strikeouts and ERA.
Given Skubal’s injury history, tonight’s exit does spark concern. The 28-year-old star underwent Tommy John surgery during his college career and later underwent flexor tendon surgery which sidelined him for the end of his 2022 season and the beginning of the 2023 campaign.
Earlier in the game, teammate Javier Baez left early after taking a foul ball to the face.
The Tigers comfortably sit atop the AL Central at 84-63 on the season and appear virtually locked in for a postseason berth. However, Skubal’s status now looms large over the team’s hopes of competing deep into the postseason.
Stay tuned to DK Network for live updates on Skubal’s injury status.
