Skubal Receives Positive News After Test

MIAMI – Tarik Skubal, the ace pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, underwent testing on Friday and thankfully showed no structural damage after experiencing some tension on his left side.

“That’s encouraging news. The scans came back clean,” Tigers manager Aji Hinch stated before their 6-4 loss to the Marlins on Saturday. “It’s a relief for both him and the team.”

Following the test, Skubal returned to Detroit.

The southpaw is expected to have a throw day on Monday after his previous start.

“We’ve got a lot to address to help him cope with this discomfort,” Hinch noted. “I really don’t want anyone on our team experiencing pain. So, it’s a positive step having everyone wait for scan results, and the news is good.”

Skubal felt uneasy during the fourth inning of an 8-2 loss to the Marlins on Friday, which led him to exit after a brief discussion with Hinch and the team trainer.

In that outing, the 28-year-old pitcher allowed four runs and four hits over 3 1/3 innings.

Currently, he holds a 13-5 record with a 2.26 ERA in 29 starts for the AL Central leaders, accumulating 224 strikeouts in 183 1/3 innings.

Hinch mentioned he hasn’t directly communicated with Skubal since the test, but the results indicated tension in the rib cage area, aligning with Skubal’s concerns from Friday.

“Everything he described then matched today’s medical assessment and physical evaluation,” Hinch added.

Additionally, shortstop Javier Baes is dealing with swelling and bruising around his left eye, but he’s been preparing for the game.

Baes sustained the injury after fouling a pitch that hit his batting helmet, grazing his forehead and near his eyes.

“It looks quite painful, but he says he’s feeling alright,” Hinch reported.