Another Tarik Skubal WBC update has Tigers (and baseball) fans wildly disappointed

It was easy for baseball fans to get excited about the 2026 World Baseball Classic when it was announced that the starting rotation would be headed by Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal and Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes. It's the top of a starting rotation that fans dream about, and the World Baseball Classic was going to make it a reality.

The problem (but not the worst of news for the Tigers) is that Skubal will make one start for Team USA before returning to camp with Detroit. Team USA manager Mark DeRosa revealed the starting rotation for pool play, and after San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb gets the nod in Game 1 against Brazil, Skubal will make his lone appearance in Game 2 against Great Britain.

Skubal's plan for the World Baseball Classic has sparked debate among pundits and fans, with some wondering why Skubal wouldn't be saved for a potential start against Japan or the Dominican Republic.

Skubal is very much operating to be ready to take the mound on Opening Day for the Tigers, and that is likely at the center of the actual plan for his start in Game 2. The reported plan for Skubal is to throw 55 pitches during his start for Team USA.

Tarik Skubal's WBC plan is a massive win for the Tigers, but not ideal for baseball fans

With an expected pitch count of 55, Skubal is mirroring his early spring training work with the Tigers this season. He tossed two innings in his first start on February 23 and reached three innings of work in his outing on Sunday.

With no trouble, Skubal should certainly get through Great Britain's order at least once. Beyond that, DeRosa and Co. will likely turn to the bullpen.

It's further proof that Skubal is prioritizing the Tigers' 2026 season. A season that will be defined by his impending free agency, and the Tigers pushing their chips to the middle of the table with the recent signings of Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander. That plan falls apart if Skubal isn't available.

Sure, there's disappointment that Skubal is going to have a very brief run with Team USA (if you blink, you may miss it), but the silver lining is that the Tigers are the priority for the defending American League Cy Young award winner.