
When pitcher Tarik Skubal was added to Team USA’s roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, his workload seemed clear: he would start in one game in pool play vs. Great Britain, but then return to the Tigers to prepare for the 2026 MLB season.
That schedule appeared over on Saturday night as Skubal started against the British and led the U.S. to a 9–1 win. However, Skubal’s narrative changed when he spoke with media after the game.