Who Does Tarik Skubal Play For?
Tarik Skubal Plays for the Detroit Tigers.
Things have been lively for the Detroit Tigers faithful since Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal were called up to make their major league debuts. When Skubal took the mound, however, things did not appear to be going well for the left-hander.
Tim Anderson, a shortstop for the Chicago White Sox, greeted the major leagues with a leadoff single home run in his first start.
While Anderson continued to dominate the Tigers, the hope was that Skubal would shake off his nerves and get down to business, executing pitches.
He would not have a happy ending, but he did appear to have some first-start nerves after the first inning. Skubal’s first start was cut short after only two innings due to additional pandemonium in the second inning.
Skubal threw 52 total pitches, 33 of which were strikes, over two innings of work, allowing seven hits, four runs (all earned), one walk, and one strikeout.
Skubal faced thirteen White Sox batters in two innings, surrendering only one home run to Anderson to start the game.
Skubal’s fastball sat in the mid-90s in his first start, and he got it up to 97 mph at one point.
On the other hand, he appeared to be a touch too predictable on the mound, with his breaking balls a little too high in the zone.
Pitches that cause swings and misses in minor league batters, but not against major league batters.
Skubal’s future in the major leagues will not be determined by one start. It would have been lovely to see him pitch for the Tigers for three to four innings, but a two-start dud is alright.
There was a lot of pressure surrounding Skubal’s call-up, even if there were no fans in the stands.
The nerves of a first start may have gotten to him, but he should be able to recover. Making your debut the day before Casey Mize’s maiden start has to be on Skubal’s mind, at the very least.