When two-time American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal signed on to pitch for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic, it was heralded as a watershed moment. <\/p>\n
MORE: Breakout star to retire from WBC at 29 after Japan game<\/a><\/p>\n Skubal, along with two-time National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes, gives the United States the two best pitchers in the tournament \u2013\u00a0and the two best pitchers that have ever competed for them in the WBC\u2019s 20-year history.<\/p>\n The enthusiasm dampened slightly when Skubal revealed<\/a> he wouldn\u2019t pitch in the WBC after pool play ended, effectively robbing Team USA of one of its best options in a potential elimination game. He allowed one run in a start against Great Britain<\/a>, a game the Americans won 9-1. <\/p>\n \u201cI need to get back to [Tigers] camp and get back to my routine,\u201d Skubal\u00a0told USA Today\u2019s Bob Nightengale<\/a> of his plan for the semifinal and final rounds of the WBC, \u201cbut I want to go to Miami and just be at those [WBC] games. \u2026 I might just be there and be a cheerleader.\u201d<\/p>\n Monday, Skubal made the decision official: he is heading back to the Tigers\u2019 camp for the remainder of spring training after Team USA\u2019s game against Mexico on March 9.<\/p>\n Mark DeRosa said Tarik Skubal will not pitch again in the WBC. He will leave after USA plays Mexico tonight to rejoin the Tigers.<\/p>\n \u2014 Rowan Kavner (@RowanKavner) March 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Skubal is entering his final MLB season before he is eligible for free agency. He and his agent, Scott Boras, did not want to risk an injury by having Skubal overextend himself in March. <\/p>\n That\u2019s a unique, if understandable, predicament among players participating in the WBC. Still, even after announcing his decision, Skubal told Nightengale \u201cI\u2019m still not at peace with it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead <\/a>\u2014<\/p>\n NFL: Predicting the first three 2026 NFL Free Agency signings<\/a><\/p>\n MARCH MADNESS: ACC Tournament men\u2019s basketball bracket, schedule revealed<\/a><\/p>\n MLB: Former Blue Jays pitcher, 39, announces he\u2019ll retire immediately after WBC<\/a><\/p>\n NBA: Boston Celtics reveal massive Jayson Tatum update before NBA Playoffs<\/a><\/p>\n SPORTS MEDIA: NHL gets TV ratings bump after thrilling USA-Canada clash for Olympic gold<\/a><\/p>\n VIRAL: NFL star Joe Burrow cozies up with Jessica Alba at Las Vegas casino<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t