When two-time American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal signed to pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, it was heralded as a watershed moment.
more: Breakout star retires from WBC at age 29 after Japan match
Skubal, along with two-time National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes, gave the United States two of the best pitchers of the tournament. These are also two of the best pitchers to compete for them in the WBC’s 20-year history.
Enthusiasm was dampened slightly when Skubal revealed he would not pitch at the WBC after pool play, effectively robbing Team USA of one of its best options in a potential elimination game. He allowed one run in his start against Great Britain, which the U.S. won 9-1.
In an interview with USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Skubal said of his plans for the WBC semifinals and finals, “I’ve got to get back to the (Tigers) camp and get back to normal. But I’d like to go to Miami and attend that (WBC) game… I might just go there and be a cheerleader.”
On Monday, Skubal made his decision official. He is scheduled to return to Tigers camp for the remainder of spring training following Team USA’s game against Mexico on March 9.
Skubal is entering his final MLB season before becoming eligible for free agency. He and his agent, Scott Boras, did not want to risk Skubal injuring himself by overextending himself in March. This is a unique predicament among athletes participating in the WBC.
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