Trade rumors have swirled around Tarik Skubal in recent weeks, though it's anticipated the Detroit Tigers will not deal their ace unless they get an overwhelming offer. In any case, Skubal's last start before the trade deadline will be closely watched. The left-hander is scheduled to pitch the middle game of a three-game series against the visiting Minnesota Twins on Saturday.
The All-Star left-hander racked up another victory in his first start since the Midsummer Classic, holding the Cleveland Guardians to one run in seven innings on Monday despite allowing a career-high 10 hits in the 8-2 win. "They don't strike out a lot," Skubal said of the Guardians. "They put the ball in play and they make things happen when they get guys in scoring position.
It was my job to try to get them to hit it at guys at times, and I think I did a good job of that." The Guardians, trailing 4-1, had the bases loaded in the second when Skubal (11-3, 2.34 ERA) induced an inning-ending popout from Steven Kwan.
That was a key point in his outing. "I got myself in danger, and for him to pop out, I felt like I gained a little momentum from that point on and was able to limit them to one run," Skubal said. "But it was exhausting.
Ten hits. I felt like every inning I was working out of the stretch. But that's where the most important pitches are made, out of the stretch.
" In his past five starts, Skubal has three wins and two no-decisions. He has allowed seven runs while walking four and striking out 41.