Overview
- Skubal said he will make exactly one appearance for Team USA in pool play, then leave the tournament and return to Tigers camp.
- Multiple outlets report his lone start is expected March 7 against Great Britain in Houston, though Team USA’s schedule begins March 6.
- He emphasized the arrangement was set to keep a normal spring workload, adding he is not ramping early and is targeting his March 26 Opening Day start for Detroit.
- He does not plan to pitch in knockout rounds and said he may seek permission only to attend the final as a spectator if the U.S. advances.
- His early exit shifts late-round pitching duties toward Paul Skenes and a deep U.S. staff, while Skubal’s contract-year status and recent $32 million arbitration win underscore the caution.