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AJ Hinch reveals load management plan for Tigers' AL Cy Young favorite Tarik Skubal

By Emma Lingan |
Aug 18, 2024; Williamsport, Pennsylvania, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) throws a pitch against the New York Yankees in the first inning at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2024; Williamsport, Pennsylvania, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) throws a pitch against the New York Yankees in the first inning at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports / Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

As the Detroit Tigers embark on the final stretch of the season, staff ace and American League Cy Young Award favorite Tarik Skubal is entering uncharted territory.

After tossing a six-inning gem against a potent New York Yankees lineup at the Little League Classic Sunday, Skubal has now pitched a career-high 155 1/3 innings on the season. He told MLB Network's Jon Morosi after Sunday's start that he had his sights set on 200 innings, saying that's a number he would "take a lot of pride in." However, the decision isn't entirely his to make.

Per a report from Morosi, Tigers manager AJ Hinch said that Sunday's start “could very well be [Skubal's] last start on regular rest” in 2024. As the Tigers navigate several injuries to their starting rotation, Skubal's health remains a top priority. Only five MLB pitchers threw 200 innings last season, and Hinch noted the Tigers are "very aware" of the stress that those innings would place on Skubal's arm.

Tigers plan to give Skubal 'extra rest' down the stretch as he chases AL Cy Young Award

After Sunday's start (a win for the Tigers but a no-decision for Skubal), the left-hander has a 14-4 record with a league-best 2.49 ERA in 25 starts. He has struck out 185 batters, leading the American League.

The Tigers are nine games back of an AL Wild Card spot, and they have no real reason to put more strain on Skubal's arm. However, Hinch acknowledged that the plan isn't to shut the southpaw down entirely as he pursues his first career Cy Young Award.

"We’re giving him extra rest," Hinch said of Skubal (via Morosi). "But he’s done the work. You’ve got to reward players when they’ve done the work with giving them a chance to compete.”

Although Detroit expected to make the playoffs this season, Skubal's health and durability remain the Tigers' primary concern as they take steps to ensure their star pitcher remains a central piece of their plans for the future.

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