What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Tarik Skubal, a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, is scheduled to start in the team's regular-season finale against the Boston Red Sox. However, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch has stated that Skubal will only pitch if the team is still in contention for a playoff spot. The Tigers could secure a postseason berth as early as Friday with a win over the Red Sox and a loss by the Houston Astros to the Los Angeles Angels. Skubal has been performing well, with seven quality starts in his last eight outings, maintaining a 2.18 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and an 88:17 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 74.1 innings since the All-Star break.
Why It's Important?
The decision to pitch Skubal only if necessary highlights the strategic considerations teams face as they approach the postseason. Skubal's performance has been a significant factor in the Tigers' playoff push, and preserving his arm for potential playoff games could be crucial. This decision underscores the importance of managing player workloads to optimize performance during critical games. For the Tigers, securing a playoff spot would be a significant achievement, potentially impacting team morale and fan engagement.
What's Next?
If the Tigers clinch a playoff spot before Sunday's game, Skubal will likely be rested, allowing him to be fresh for the postseason. This decision could influence the Tigers' pitching strategy in the playoffs, as having a well-rested Skubal could be advantageous. The outcome of the Tigers' and Astros' games on Friday will be pivotal in determining Skubal's role in the upcoming games.
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