Overview
- Skubal confirmed he will pitch on Wednesday in the series finale against Baltimore, which is his last scheduled start before the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
- He is one strikeout away from 1,000 career punchouts and said he plans to throw in Detroit to reach that milestone.
- Skubal is the Tigers’ top trade chip because he is a two-time AL Cy Young winner and is under contract only through 2026, making him a short-term rental for contenders.
- Detroit has made roster moves and managed injuries while weighing deadline options, placing Kerry Carpenter on the 10-day IL after a cortisone shot, designating Jake Rogers for assignment and calling up Eduardo Valencia.
- Teams’ interest is tempered by Skubal’s limited innings this year after surgery and by Detroit’s demand for controllable pitching and prospect returns, so his Wednesday start could sharpen what suitors are willing to offer.