Tarik Skubal wants to be an inning-eating workhorse, even if MLB has changed

Tarik Skubal enjoyed his first taste of throwing a complete game as a professional and the Detroit Tigers ace is hoping to be a rare starting pitcher who is regularly on the mound late in games.

In this era, teams usually depend on relievers to pitch at least a few innings and the reigning AL Cy Young and league Triple Crown winner would love to buck the trend for manager A.J. Hinch and the AL-leading Tigers.

"The game’s changed a little bit because these guys that come in are the best they’ve ever been, but my goal is to make it as difficult as I can on A.J. to take me out of a game," Skubal said Wednesday before Detroit wrapped up a series at home against San Francisco. "I want him thinking a lot about it. I don’t want it to be an easy decision.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal #29 delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Guardians on May 25, 2025 at Comerica Park. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

"That’s kind of that’s what starting pitching is — you take the ball and you eat innings. There’s probably been a little bit of less value in that in today’s game as it was five, 10 years ago."

Justin Verlander laments that fact.

"Most guys are getting pulled in the fifth or sixth inning," he said.

Verlander, a three-time AL Cy Young Award in his first season with the Giants, understands clubs try to limit innings starters pitch in part to avoid injuries.

The 42-year-old right-hander, though, is grateful Jim Leyland was his manager early in his career with the Tigers and allowed him to have 120-pitch outings and 200-inning seasons.

"Even at that time, that was a little old school," Verlander said. "Had he not been my manager, I might not have had the opportunity to show what I can do. I think what