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Tigers' A.J. Hinch Makes Tarik Skubal Decision on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 5:00 PM ET

Left-handed starting pitcher Tarik Skubal is playing in his sixth major-league season following an electrifying 2024 breakout year.

The Tigers’ ace debuted as a rookie during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, then spent the early part of his career battling injuries and fighting to establish himself as a front-line starter in Detroit’s rotation.

In 2023, he returned from flexor tendon surgery in July to make 15 starts, posting a strong 7–3 record with a 2.80 ERA, an impressive stretch that laid the groundwork for his eventual ascent into superstardom.

Finally, in 2024, Skubal stayed healthy for a full season and legitimized his elite status by winning his first Cy Young Award, earning his first All-Star appearance and claiming the pitching Triple Crown—leading the American League in wins, ERA and strikeouts.

In 2025, he has continued that dominant run, leading baseball’s best American League team at 59–34 as their unquestioned ace.

His workhorse mentality and electric stuff have transformed Detroit’s rotation into one of the league’s most feared units.

On Wednesday, manager A.J. Hinch opted to flip-flop the weekend rotation, sending Skubal to the mound Friday instead of Saturday, with teammate Casey Mize taking the later slot.

Tarik Skubal, Casey Mize are flip-flopped in the rotation this weekend.

A.J. Hinch cited a few factors.

1) Skubal had a reasonable pitch count his last outing
2) Mize threw a season-high 102 pitches
3) Skubal will likely pitch in the ASG
4) How DET wants to line up post-ASB pic.twitter.com/Zb1YQReO7y
— Cody Stavenhagen (@CodyStavenhagen) July 9, 2025

Hinch cited Skubal’s manageable pitch count in his previous outing, Mize’s season-high 102 pitches, Skubal’s likelihood of pitching in the All-Star Game and Detroit’s post–All-Star Break rotation strategy as factors influencing the move.

Skubal currently owns a 10–2 record with a 2.02 ERA in 18 starts, leading all qualified American League pitchers. With the Tigers eyeing back-to-back postseason appearances, Skubal’s ability to maintain this level of excellence will be vital to their championship aspirations.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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