Tigers' Tarik Skubal Sends Clear Paul Skenes Message After Loss to Pirates

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zach Kaplan | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 10:13 AM ET

The baseball world was robbed of a tremendous pitching matchup on Thursday, as while Pirates ace Paul Skenes toed the slab for Pittsburgh, Tigers ace Tarik Skubal was tabbed to pitch on Thursday's game at Comerica Park.

The two matchups, though separate, were as advertised. Skubal's Thursday start resulted in a 9-2 Tigers win on the back of 5 2/3 strong innings from the lefty, while Friday's Skenes bump ended in an 8-4 extra-inning Pirates win.

Even more frustrating, Skenes was once again held without a decision despite allowing two runs over six innings.

Skubal chimed in after Friday's game with strong praise for his fellow lion-hearted competitor.

Skubal told the press that he wasn't exactly bummed to not face Skenes on the other side Friday.

"Selfishly, I'm glad that I'm not pitching so I can just kind of dial in and watch him. I'm a fan," Skubal said.

The opportunity to watch Skenes up close for a pitcher in the American League Central is rare, though Skubal will almost certainly get another chance to take notes come July, when the two will more than likely represent the AL and NL in the All-Star game.

Skubal is a strong competitor, and is very open about his process. So is Skenes, for one, but to see the two trade quotes about the other has been good for baseball this weekend.

It's always a pleasure to learn about a superstar pitcher's mentality from those who do it best.

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

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