HOUSTON (AP) — Tarik Skubal will not pitch again in the World Baseball Classic, according to U.S. manager Mark DeRosa.
DeRosa made the announcement came before Monday night’s game against Mexico and after the reigning two-time AL Cy Young Award winner had expressed second thoughts about ending his tournament participation following one outing.
“We were always under the assumption that he was going to leave after pool play,” DeRosa said. “I know that kind of got clouded a little bit because getting on the mound in the USA jersey, being in the room with these guys, is special. But he’s going to leave after tonight and go back to Lakeland and be at Tigers camp.”
Last month, Skubal said he intended to make only one WBC start regardless of how far the U.S. advanced because he wanted to remain on a regular spring training regimen and ramp up for opening day while mostly with Detroit.
His feelings changed after starting against Britain on Saturday night.
“I didn’t expect these types of emotions to run through my brain or my thoughts to differ,” Skubal told reporters on Saturday night. “I was pretty committed to making a start and getting back to camp. Things have changed, obviously. That’s why I’m going to have some conversations and try to figure out a plan for me. But yeah, I don’t know either way.”
DeRosa understands Skubal’s decision and was thrilled to have him even for one start.
“I know what’s at stake for him,” DeRosa said. I’m over the moon he decided to show in the first place for us – I really am – and take the ball for us. I think it meant a lot to a lot of guys in that room. We know where his heart is. If he was in a different situation, he wouldn’t be leaving.”
Skubal is eligible to become a free agent after this season and is expected to secure a nine-figure contract.
“I also understand that 99.9% of the guys, if given his ability to get to free agency and just generational wealth on the table and everything he’s got in front of him, a chance to win three Cy Youngs in a row, I was proud that he even showed for us,” DeRosa continued.
Skubal gave up a home run to Nate Eaton on his first pitch Saturday night but allowed just one single after that while striking out five in three innings of a 9-1 victory.
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