Here’s why Detroit wouldn’t want anyone else on the planet starting ALDS Game 5.
inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series, Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal threw the biggest pitch of his career. It was a 97 mph fastball down in the zone, a pitch that induced Cleveland Guardians hitter David Fry to bounce into an inning-ending double play and preserve a scoreless tie.
Shortly after came the signature moment of his postseason dominance: As he walked off the mound, the game broadcast showed Skubal yelling a few choice words at the Progressive Field crowd booing him.
« I probably shouldn’t say some bad words with some cameras on me with kids watching », Skubal said after the start. « But it was just emotion, raw emotion. »
The show of emotion made the rounds on social media, with Skubal’s own mother, Laura, scolding her son in a response to one of the most popular posts — an irony noted by Skubal on Friday.
Tarik Daniel!!
« It’s interesting my mom went to Twitter to say that », he said. « You should hear my mom. I’ve seen her get ejected from plenty of high school basketball games.
« I guess it might run in the family there. »
That kind of competitive fire is why there is no pitcher on the planet to whom the Tigers would rather hand their season to in Saturday’s winner-take-all Game 5 in Cleveland. The best pitcher in the AL this year is now tasked with extending Detroit’s improbable postseason run.
« No moment is too big », Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson said. « There is so much conviction behind every pitch. So much fun to play behind. He’s special and he’s only just getting started. »
THE TIGERS MIGHT not have had the luxury of turning to the American League Cy Young favorite in an elimination game if not for one unexpected draft-day phone call in 2018.
After Detroit took righty Casey Mize with the No.1 overall pick, Tigers executive David Chadd got a call from an agent friend during the middle of the second round.
« Your best player isn’t even on your board », the voice said.
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The call was from Scott Boras, who had an early idea of what Skubal could become; former client Bill Caudil had recommended to check him out.
« My god — this guy has arm strength like you wouldn’t believe », Boras told colleagues after seeing Skubal for the first time.
Skubal was not a well-known name in the scouting world; he had undergone Tommy John surgery the previous year and was playing college baseball at Seattle University. His junior year numbers were more OK than outstanding, especially given the mid-major competition he was facing: He had a 4.
