Team USA pitcher Tarik Skubal explains rationale for just one start

Tarik Skubal has faced a lot of backlash after announcing he will only make one start for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic.

This decision comes before Team USA has played any exhibition games. The reigning American League Cy Young winner had many people questioning why he would even take a roster spot if his plan was to only pitch in one game. His consolation prize of returning as moral support for a championship run was not taken well either.

On Thursday, Skubal revealed publicly why he is only making one start.

“It’s probably mutual, you know. I think all parties are kind of aligned with this one, including myself, obviously,” Skubal said on the “Flippin’ Bats” podcast. “I mean if this tournament was played, if the Classic was played in the middle, you know, the comparison’s hockey, right? Like what Team USA was able to just accomplish, both women’s and men’s. Incredible. It was so much fun to watch and follow along. … It’s the timing, you know. It’s the timing for me. If this tournament was in the middle of our season like it is hockey, I’d have no problem throwing both games, you know, throwing as much as I can for Team USA. I’d have no problem.”

After winning $34 million in his final year of arbitration, it certainly makes sense that Skubal wants to be cautious. He knows he is one year away from a major contract in free agency, and he will have every contender throwing money at him.

However, his announcement is also being blown out of proportion by the fans. The pitching depth on Team USA is among the best in the tournament. At most, Skubal would probably make two starts in the tournament along with pitchers like Paul Skenes, Logan Webb and Nolan McLean.

Skubal is prioritizing his possible last season in Detroit while also taking the chance to represent his country. In his eyes, this is the best of both worlds.

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