Trending Now - Tarik Skubal Departs Team USA to Rejoin Tigers Camp

WHO:

Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers pitcher

Mark DeRosa, Team USA manager

Aaron Judge, Team USA captain

Paul Skenes, fellow Team USA pitcher

Kevin McGonigle, Tigers' top prospect

Jason Beck, Senior Reporter for MLB.com

David Adler, Reporter for MLB.com

WHAT:

Tarik Skubal will leave Team USA to return to Tigers camp after the game against Mexico on March 9th, 2026.

Skubal made one start for Team USA against Great Britain on March 7th, 2026, pitching three innings in a 9-1 victory.

Skubal is a back-to-back reigning AL Cy Young Award winner.

Skubal was awarded an MLB-record $32 million in arbitration.

Skubal had a 2.21 ERA over 195⅓ innings in 31 starts in 2025, striking out 241 batters.

The Tigers' Grapefruit League record is 3-8-4 after a 4-4 draw against the Rays.

WHERE:

Daikin Park, Houston, Texas

Lakeland, Florida, where Tigers Spring Training is held.

WHEN:

March 7th, 2026, Skubal pitched against Great Britain.

March 9th, 2026, Skubal will return to Tigers camp after the game against Mexico.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic is ongoing.

WHY:

Skubal decided to return to Tigers camp to focus on the 2026 MLB season, which is his final season before free agency.

Skubal expressed a desire to pitch for Team USA again in the future, including the 2028 Olympics.

HOW:

Skubal confirmed his decision to leave Team USA before the game against Mexico.

Skubal discussed his decision with the Tigers, his agent, and his family before making a final choice.

(UPDATED March 10, 2026 01:27 UTC)

In a significant move for the Detroit Tigers, pitcher Tarik Skubal will leave Team USA to return to Tigers camp after their game against Mexico on March 9. Skubal, a back-to-back reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, made one start for Team USA against Great Britain on March 7, where he pitched three innings in a 9-1 victory. He expressed his intention to focus on the upcoming MLB season, which will be his final year before free agency, while also hoping to pitch for Team USA again in future competitions, including the 2028 Olympics.