Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal will adhere to his original schedule and return to the club following his start for Team USA against Great Britain in Pool B of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, Team USA manager Mark DeRosa announced.[1][2]

Skubal, the 2024 American League Cy Young Award winner, had indicated possible second thoughts about a one-start appearance after reaching his pitch count in the Pool B group stage matchup.[3] The 29-year-old ace had been slated for a single outing before rejoining Tigers spring training.

Pool B, which features the United States, Mexico, Great Britain, Cuba and Colombia, is set for early March 2026 at Minute Maid Park as part of the tournament's group stage format from March 5-12. The top two teams from each pool advance to quarterfinals.[1][2]

DeRosa was named manager of Team USA for the event in September 2024. The tournament runs March 5-18, 2026, with championship games at loanDepot park in Miami.[1][4]

Skubal, born November 20, 1996, posted an AL-best 2.39 ERA with 228 strikeouts over 180 innings in 31 starts during his 2024 Cy Young season.[3] He is under club control through the 2026 season.

Sources

1. MLB.com
   2026 World Baseball Classic pools, venues announced
   September 27, 2024
   https://www.mlb.com/news/world-baseball-classic-2026-pools-venues-announced
2. WorldBaseballClassic.com
   2026 WBC Pools and Venues
   Accessed March 2026
   https://www.worldbaseballclassic.com/schedule/2026
3. MLB.com
   Tarik Skubal wins 2024 AL Cy Young Award
   November 18, 2024
   https://www.mlb.com/news/tarik-skubal-wins-al-cy-young-award
4. MLB.com
   Mark DeRosa named manager for Team USA in 2026 World Baseball Classic
   September 16, 2024
   https://www.mlb.com/news/mark-derosa-named-manager-for-team-usa-world-baseball-classic