Will Tarik Skubal overcome previous postseason failure in Game 5 of ALDS?

Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch seems super confident in ace Tarik Skubal's ability to win an elimination game.

Skubal is set to start Friday in Game 5 of the American League Divisional Series against the Seattle Mariners on the road. But should Hinch trust him after he failed to deliver in a similar position last season? 

A.J. Hinch explains why he's confident in Tarik Skubal

"One of the easiest and most exciting things I get to do in baseball is hand the ball to the best pitcher in baseball," Hinch said following a 9-3 win over Seattle in Game 4 on Wednesday, via Dave Hogg of the Associated Press. "We're getting on a plane with a lot of optimism because of Tarik Skubal." 

Skubal — the 2024 American League Cy Young winner — was even better in 2025 than he was last season. In 31 regular-season games, he posted a career-best 2.21 ERA and had a career-high 241 strikeouts. His 13-6 starting record tied for the 12th best in baseball. 

However, in Game 5 of the ALDS last season, Skubal wilted. In a 7-3 loss to the Cleveland Guardians, he allowed six hits and five runs in six innings pitched. Even more concerning for Detroit, the 28-year-old didn't look sharp in his last start. 

In a 3-2 road loss to the Mariners in Game 2, Skubal allowed five hits and two runs in six innings pitched. Seattle second baseman Jorge Polanco homered off the ace twice. Despite that, Tigers left fielder Riley Greene hasn't lost faith in Skubal.

"I love our position," Greene said when asked by Fox Sports contributor Tom Verducci how he feels heading into Game 5. "You know, Skubes is our guy, and we're ready." 

Just as importantly, last postseason's loss doesn't seem to be weighing on Skubal's mind. 

"This is why you play the game, for Game 5s," the pitcher said postgame while discussing the deciding game.  

Skubal seems ready to avenge himself and lead the Tigers to their first American League Championship Series since 2013. If he struggles, though, perhaps Detroit had better have another unexpected rally. The team scored nine unanswered runs in four innings to win Wednesday's game.