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Fans blasted Tarik Skubal after the two-time American League Cy Young winner decided to leave United States national baseball team camp during the World Baseball Classic, opting to return to the Detroit Tigers before the tournament's knockout stage.
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa confirmed Monday that Skubal would depart following the team's final group-stage game against Mexico national baseball team and would not pitch again in the tournament.
The decision, reportedly tied to prioritizing long-term health and future contract considerations ahead of his potential 2027 free agency, sparked immediate backlash across social media.
Several fans criticized the move, questioning why Skubal joined the roster if he would not remain for the full competition. Posts labeled the decision "cowardly," while others called it a "waste of a roster spot" and argued another pitcher should have been selected instead.
Paul Skenes held the US defense
Despite the controversy, Team USA continued to find success on the field, powered in part by a dominant outing from Paul Skenes.
The young right-hander delivered four scoreless innings against Mexico at Daikin Park, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out seven batters on 60 pitches in a 5-3 victory that improved the Americans to 3-0 in group play.
Skenes showcased elite velocity throughout the appearance, touching 99.7 mph with his fastball while mixing four-seamers, sinkers and splitters to neutralize Mexico's lineup, including hitters such as Jarren Duran and Randy Arozarena.
Team USA now relies more than ever on the rest of its bullpen
The Tigers star had already made one start earlier in the tournament, but his early exit now leaves Team USA relying more heavily on its remaining pitching depth as it pushes toward the championship rounds.
While players frequently balance national-team commitments with MLB workloads, the timing of Skubal's departure has turned him into a flashpoint among fans during one of baseball's biggest international events.