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 in 33 innings during that span.
Skubal has made 11 career starts against the Twins, going 3-3 with a 3.63 ERA, including a 1-0 mark and a 2.45 ERA in two starts this year.
Detroit’s other All-Star, outfielder Riley Greene, was placed on the 10-day injured list on Friday due to a right hamstring injury. An MRI detected a mild strain.
“I didn’t have a moment where it grabbed, like your typical hammy would,” Greene said. “On Monday I felt it and didn’t think any of it. And now it’s this.”
In contrast, the Twins activated one of their top hitters, third baseman Royce Lewis, prior to the Friday opener. Lewis had been sidelined since July 3 with an adductor strain.
He went 1-for-5 against Detroit, but the Twins didn’t need much from him, as four teammates homered in a 9-3 romp.
Lewis will get some starts at designated hitter with the hope he can stay in the lineup. He’s only played 25 games this season due to two long stays in the IL.
“We want him to stay strong, we want him to be able to post every day. And the best way to do that is at DH,” Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli said.
Twins infielder Jose Miranda, who is hitting .325, could be activated on Saturday. He is been battling lower back tightness.
Skubal will be opposed by right-hander Joe Ryan (6-6, 3.65 ERA). In his three July starts, Ryan has been vulnerable, going 1-1 with a 6.35 ERA.
In his most recent outing, Ryan allowed four runs and seven hits in six innings on Sunday in an 8-7 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. However, his control was sharp — he didn’t walk anyone while recording six strikeouts in the no-decision.
Ryan recorded a pair of no-decisions against the Tigers in April, including an outing in which he struck out a career-high 12. In eight career starts against Detroit, he is 4-1 with a 3.47 ERA.
–Field Level Media