Tigers' social media behavior for Tarik Skubal's final start was impossible to ignore

The Detroit Tigers didn't say goodbye to Tarik Skubal on Wednesday, but their social media account came uncomfortably close.

After Skubal recorded the 1,000th strikeout of his career against Baltimore Orioles leadoff hitter Taylor Ward, the Tigers posted a photo of their ace tipping his cap to the Comerica Park crowd. The caption consisted of one symbol: the goat emoji.

There was an obvious explanation. Skubal had just become the 17th pitcher in franchise history to reach 1,000 strikeouts, doing so faster than any other Tigers pitcher at 857 innings. Still, context made the post impossible to view as a routine celebration.

This was Skubal’s final scheduled start before Monday’s trade deadline. Detroit hasn't publicly committed to moving him, but the two-time defending American League Cy Young Award winner is the biggest prize potentially available as the rumors become more and more pervasive. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays are expected to be among the most aggressive suitors if Detroit opens the auction.

Then came the image of Skubal acknowledging the crowd, accompanied by an emoji reserved for all-time greatness. It looked less like a milestone graphic and more like the type of tribute teams post when preparing fans for the end of an era.

Perhaps that wasn't the intent. But timing matters when every gesture surrounding Skubal is being dissected for evidence of Detroit’s plans.

Tigers' cryptic social media post seemingly telegraphed Tarik Skubal trade

Skubal delivered 6 2/3 quality innings against Baltimore and departed with a six-run lead, only to watch the bullpen complete a collapse from 7-0 ahead. Baltimore eventually won 10-9 in 12 innings, dropping the Tigers to 51-58 and pushing them 4.5 games behind the final American League Wild Card spot.

It was a brutal summary of Detroit’s season. Skubal performed like the ace of a contender, and the team around him failed to finish the job.

The Tigers could keep Skubal and attempt one final push. But since they almost certainly won't be able to sign him long term, they risk losing him in free agency. Wednesday’s loss made the case for selling harder to ignore. So did the Tigers’ social media post.

A goat emoji isn't a transaction announcement. A cap tip isn't confirmation of a farewell. But together, days before the deadline, they created an image Detroit fans will remember if Skubal is wearing another uniform next week.

It may become the final image of an era the Tigers weren't ready to end, but could no longer afford to continue.

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