Tarik Skubal had plenty on his mind before the Detroit Tigers took the field Tuesday night.
Jake Rogers, the catcher tied closely to Skubal’s rise into one of baseball’s premier pitchers, had just been designated for assignment. Trade speculation continued following Skubal from the ballpark to his own home. Detroit had lost three consecutive games (prior to Tuesday’s blowout win over the Orioles) and Wednesday’s scheduled start carried the possibility of being his last at Comerica Park in a Tigers uniform.
Skubal did not run from any of it.
He spoke honestly about losing a trusted teammate, firmly rejected the idea that outside noise had reached Detroit’s clubhouse and made one thing unmistakably clear.
He intended to pitch Wednesday.
Skubal Reflects on His Bond With Jake Rogers
The Tigers’ decision to designate Rogers for assignment landed differently for Skubal than it did for most players in the clubhouse.
Rogers was behind the plate during Skubal’s first Cy Young season. He helped manage games, challenged Detroit’s ace and developed the kind of pitcher-catcher relationship that lasts far beyond one roster transaction.
“It’s a business, right? You understand the decision. I’m not worried about him or his career. He’s going to land somewhere.
“I had already left before that happened, so I didn’t have a chance to say goodbye, which kind of sucks. Then I had some stuff I had to take care of this morning.
“It sucks. We’ll always have a special connection, though. Once baseball is all done for both of us, 2024 is a season that I’ll never forget.”
Skubal’s appreciation went beyond Rogers’ receiving skills or ability to call a game.
“He was behind the plate. He helped guide and navigate me to my first Cy Young. That’s something I’ll always appreciate.
“He always held me accountable. Whether it was something on the field or off the field, he always kept me in check, and I appreciate that.
“It sucks nonetheless.”
That final line captured the contradiction of deadline-season baseball. Skubal understands the business. That does not make losing a teammate any easier.
Tarik Skubal Refuses to Let Trade Noise Enter the Clubhouse
Skubal remains one of the most discussed players as the MLB trade deadline approaches, but he insists the speculation exists outside Detroit’s clubhouse.
“The noise is from you guys, not from me. The noise isn’t in this clubhouse.
“The noise is from you guys and the narrative that’s out there. I don’t control any of that, so why would I worry about it?
“My job is to go out there and win. That’s all I can ask of myself.
“I’m going to go out there and compete. I’ve done that my entire career, so that won’t change.”
That has been Skubal’s message throughout the process.
He cannot control which teams call Scott Harris. He cannot decide whether Detroit accepts an offer. He cannot quiet every rumor that surfaces before Monday’s deadline.
He can control the next pitch.
Skubal Admits His Family Wants Answers Too
Fans are not the only people asking where Skubal will be after the deadline.
His family wants answers. Skubal simply does not have them.
“Absolutely. Hopefully, the fans know that I’ve appreciated every single start I’ve had at home.
“Even on the road, the support the fans have given me is second to none. I truly appreciate that.
“The questions follow you everywhere, especially in my life. I have a family that is asking questions, too.
“I truly don’t know what’s going on. Those questions aren’t really for me. Those questions should probably be directed toward the front office, not me.
“That’s how I handle it.”
There was no hidden promise in those comments. Skubal did not declare that he would remain in Detroit, nor did he hint that a trade was inevitable.
He acknowledged the uncertainty and redirected the biggest questions to the people making the decision.
Skubal Pushes Back Against Panic After Three Losses
Detroit entered Tuesday night having lost three consecutive games, including painful defeats that intensified questions about whether the Tigers should sell.
Skubal was not ready to treat the skid like a collapse.
“Losing three games in a row is not the end of the world. It might feel like that to you guys or to people on the outside looking in, but losing three games happens. It happens to everybody.
“We have an opportunity to win today’s game, and that’s what matters.
“If we win today’s game, we have an opportunity to win a series tomorrow. That’s what really matters, winning series.
“Obviously, we split with Kansas City, but they’re a big-league team, too. We can’t win every single game.
“I think we’re doing our best to compete and trying to win every single game. That’s what really matters.
“There’s not going to be anybody in this room who gives up on anybody. That’s what I’ve come to appreciate.”
The Tigers backed up that belief hours later with a blowout victory over Baltimore.
One win does not erase the pressure surrounding the deadline. It did reinforce Skubal’s point that three losses did not mean the clubhouse had stopped believing.
Skubal Leaves No Doubt About Wednesday’s Start
With the deadline looming, there had been speculation that Detroit might protect Skubal by skipping his start.
Skubal dismissed that idea immediately.
“No, no, no. I’m pitching tomorrow.
“I have something cool that I want to accomplish at home, so that won’t change.”
Skubal entered Wednesday one strikeout away from 1,000 for his career, adding another layer to what could be an emotional afternoon at Comerica Park.
The possibility of injury always exists. So does the possibility of a trade shortly after he leaves the mound.
Skubal was not interested in managing hypotheticals.
“I have to play baseball. I need to do my job.
“I have to put my team in a position to win a baseball game. That’s all I can control.”
Bottom Line
Tarik Skubal’s future may be uncertain, but his message before Tuesday’s win was remarkably consistent.
He remains hurt by Jake Rogers’ departure. He appreciates the fans who have supported him. He knows his family wants answers. He refuses to let outside speculation enter Detroit’s clubhouse.
Most importantly, he still believes his responsibility is to pitch and help the Tigers win.
“No, no, no. I’m pitching tomorrow.”
For now, that is the only answer Skubal can provide with complete certainty.
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