Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Tarik Skubal’s Cy Young Campaign Hits the Ground Running

Originally posted on Inside The Diamonds
By Gage O'Leary | Last updated 3/29/24

The Detroit Tigers opened the 2024 season with a shutout victory on opening day against their division rival Chicago White Sox. Now, they enjoy a day off before trying to secure the series victory on Saturday. Detroit relied on their ace, Tarik Skubal, to lead them to victory on Thursday, and they needed the dominant performance they got from him as the run support was very minimal. Skubal pitched six innings and threw 83 pitches en route to victory. He struck out six, did not walk anyone, allowed just three hits, and no runs, and will carry a 0.00 ERA, 0.500 WHIP, and 1.94 FIP into his next outing. Although his offense only mustered one run, he got back up from his bullpen as Shelby Miller, Andrew Chafin, and Jason Foley finished what Skubal started and completed the shutout. With Skubal being one of the Cy Young favorites throughout the off-season, his 2024 campaign is off to a fantastic start.

1) We got a sneak peek at Tarik Skubal's arsenal in Spring Training, but it was on full display yesterday. He led the day with 20 Whiffs on the back of his entire arsenal. His tjStuff+ grades drastically improved from 2023 as he altered his shapes.pic.twitter.com/sYTpXwzeQV
— Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) March 29, 2024

Tarik Skubal’s next scheduled start

Skubal should be back in action against the New York Mets in the first week of April. He should face former Tigers outfielder J.D Martinez, who recently signed a deal to play in the Big Apple after a long off-season. Another notable slugger in the Mets lineup is Pete Alonso, the 2019 and 2021 Home Run Derby champion. Although there are a few difficult outs in the lineup, Skubal has given Detroit fans no reason to worry and is the last person opposing teams want to see on the mound.