If this is it for Tarik Skubal in a Tigers uniform, he goes out with the admiration of the fan base.
In the first inning of Skubal’s start against the Orioles Wednesday — potentially his final start with the Tigers ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline — he struck out Taylor Ward swinging to record his 1,000th career whiff.
Immediately after the K, Skubal was given a standing ovation from a raucous Detroit crowd, with video cameras out and active.
The Comerica Park jumbotron showed a picture of Skubal with his signature and “1,000 career strikeouts. Tarik Skubal” written alongside it.
Skubal, set to be a free agent after the 2026 season, has been involved in trade rumors all season after failing to sign an extension last offseason.
While the Tigers’ 22-40 start made it likely Skubal would be dealt, their recent hot stretch — going 29-17 in the last 46 games entering Wednesday’s finale against the Orioles — has delayed a decision, though he could still be on the move.
The 29-year-old has been linked to contenders like the Dodgers and Brewers as they seek pitching reinforcements ahead of likely playoff appearances.
It’d be a significant loss for the Tigers, as Skubal has been their rotation anchor since 2024 and has provided them consistency no other starter has.
Skubal has led the AL in ERA the last two seasons while earning consecutive Cy Young awards.
With Skubal, the Tigers made the playoffs for consecutive seasons for the first time since 2013-14.
Though the Tigers are still below .500, they’re not entirely out of the playoff picture yet entering Wednesday 3.5 games out of the AL wild card.
