HOUSTON – Tarik Skubal will never pitch again in the World Baseball Classic, according to United States manager Mark DeRosa.
DeRosa said he made the announcement before Monday night’s game against Mexico and after the two-time AL Cy Young Award winner expressed second thoughts about ending his participation in the tournament after one outing.
“We always assumed he would leave after the pool game,” DeRosa said. “I know that kind of got a little blurry because getting on the mound in a USA uniform and being in the room with these guys is special, but he’s leaving after tonight and he’s going to go back to Lakeland and be in Tigers camp.”
Last month, Skubal said he planned to make just one WBC start, regardless of how far the American advanced. That’s because he wanted to maintain his regular spring training regimen and be mostly ready for Opening Day in Detroit.
His feelings changed after Saturday night’s game against England.
“I didn’t expect these types of emotions to run through my brain or change my thoughts,” Skubal told reporters Saturday night. “I was committed to getting started and getting back to camp. Obviously things have changed. So we’ll have some conversations and try to find a plan for me. But yeah, I don’t know either way.”
DeRosa understood Skubal’s decision and was happy to have him, even for just one start.
“I know what the risk is for that guy,” DeRosa said. I was really happy. He decided to show it for us first. It really is. And took the ball for us. I think it meant a lot to a lot of people in that room. We know where his heart is. “If it had been any other situation, he wouldn’t have left.”
Skubal is eligible to become a free agent after this season and is expected to sign a nine-figure contract.
“I also understand that 99.9% of players would be proud of what he showed us, given the ability to become a free agent, the generational wealth on the table and everything in front of him, the opportunity to win a Cy Young Award three years in a row,” DeRosa continued.
Skubal gave up a home run to Nate Eaton on the first pitch Saturday night, but then allowed just one hit and struck out five over three innings in a 9-1 win.
