Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal to pitch for Team USA during World Baseball Classic

DETROIT – The best pitcher on the planet, Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, is going to suit up for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Skubal, who has won the AL Cy Young award each of the past two seasons, is in the final year of his contract with the Tigers. He’s been the topic of trade rumors this offseason, but the Tigers don’t appear likely to move him.

The World Baseball Classic has gained major popularity over the past two events, with the United States winning in 2017 and Japan taking home the title in 2023.

Skubal instantly becomes the best pitcher in the event, leading a staff that also includes Pirates superstar Paul Skenes and Twins ace Joe Ryan.

The USA will play four games in Pool B at Daikin Park in Houston. Those four games against Brazil, Great Britain, Mexico, and Italy will determine the team’s placement in the bracket round.

Team USA schedule:

• March 6: Brazil
• March 7: Great Britain
• March 9: Mexico
• March 10: Italy

Since he returned from a 2022 injury midway through 2023, Skubal has been essentially unhittable, with a 2.39 ERA. 0.90 WHIP, and 571 strikeouts across 467.2 innings.

The game’s top pitchers have historically been hesitant to participate in the WBC due to injury concerns -- early March is usually the middle of their ramp-up time for the regular season. But despite that shoulder issue in 2022 and his college Tommy John surgery, Skubal has been exceptionally durable over the past two and a half years.

The Tigers’ first spring training game is scheduled for Feb. 21 against the New York Yankees. Opening Day is March 26 at the San Diego Padres.