Skubal to Make Single WBC Start, Prioritizing Tigers Season

Two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal will make only one start for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic (March 7 vs. Great Britain) to prioritize his regular spring training regimen and prepare for the Tigers' Opening Day on March 26. He won his $32 million arbitration hearing and is slated for free agency after the season, with a reported $250 million gap in extension talks. Skubal recently struck out four over two scoreless innings in his first Grapefruit League start and will pitch for the Tigers again Sunday before his WBC appearance. He plans to lobby to watch the WBC finals as a spectator if Team USA advances.