Tarik Skubal: Cy Young Winner Sharp in Spring Start vs Blue Jays

LAKELAND, Fla. – Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal threw three innings in a spring training start against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, striking out one batter. The outing marked an early test for the reigning two-time American League Cy Young Award winner as he prepares for the 2026 season.

Skubal, 29, is coming off a historic 2025 campaign where he repeated as the AL Cy Young recipient, becoming the first pitcher in the American League since 2011 to win the award in consecutive years. He also secured the pitching Triple Crown in 2024, leading the league in wins, earned run average and strikeouts. His 2025 performance further solidified his position as one of baseball’s elite pitchers.

The left-hander joined the Tigers organization in 2018, drafted in the ninth round. He made his Major League debut in August 2020 and has since compiled a 54-37 win-loss record with a 3.08 earned run average and 889 strikeouts through the end of the 2025 season, according to Baseball Reference.

Skubal was selected as an All-Star in both 2024 and 2025, recognizing his consistent dominance on the mound. His spring training appearance on Monday offered an initial glimpse into his form as he builds towards the regular season. The Tigers have not yet announced a firm schedule for Skubal’s remaining spring starts.