Detroit Tigers Starting Pitcher Tarik Skubal was at the top of his game this afternoon against the Cleveland Guardians. He tossed a complete game shutout and punched out 13. He helped propel the Tigers to a 5-0 win. His performance was a historic one. It included 26 swings and misses, was the first complete game of his career, and the final pitch of 102.6 MPH was Skubal’s fastest ever. Following a Cy Young Award last year, Slubal has not missed a beat in 2025. He is 14th in ERA, second in strikeouts, and third in WHIP.
Skubal also accomplished the vaunted “Maddux” this afternoon. That is the term for when a pitcher throws a complete game in fewer than 100 pitches. Skubal needed only 94 pitches to get the job done today. Skubal is the first pitcher in Tigers history to throw a complete game with zero walks, no more than two hits, and 13+ strikeouts. The last Major League pitcher to do so was Jacob deGrom on April 23, 2021. Will Skubal continue pitching at an elite level for the Detroit Tigers?
Detroit Tigers Season Summary
It has been a great season for the Tigers. They have the league’s second-best record at 34-20. Detroit’s offense has been strong this year. They are 10th in batting average, ninth in home runs, and fourth in runs scored. First Baseman Spencer Torkelson has been one of Detroit’s standout offensive players. He is 10th in the league in home runs and seventh in RBI.
Detroit’s pitching staff, led by Skubal has also been extraordinary. They are fifth in ERA, third in WHIP, and fourth in opposing batting average. Skubal is not the only Detroit Tigers pitcher who has been stellar. Casey Mize is tied for third in the league in wins.
Final Thoughts
Skubal’s next scheduled start is May 31 on the road against the Kansas City Royals. He faced the Royals on April 20 and fared adequately. He surrendered 2 earned runs over 5 innings of work. Skubal looks on his way to repeating as a Cy Young winner.
