DETROIT — On Monday, Aug. 17, the Detroit Tigers announced the call-up of left-handed pitcher and former Seattle U Redhawk, Tarik Skubal to the club. Skubal is expected to make his Major League Baseball debut Tuesday, with a start against the Chicago White Sox. First pitch from the Windy City is slated for 5:10 pm PT (7:10 pm CT) and can be seen on Fox Sports Detroit, NBC Sports Chicago, MLB Extra Innings or streamed on MLB.TV.
"I'm very proud of Tarik for his endurance and patience," said Seattle U head coach Donny Harrel. "He's had hurdles to overcome along the way, whether it be some of the arm issues during his time with us, or even this year with the stoppage—but, he's always been a hard worker and bounced back. There was no question in mind that he'd get to Bigs, and I'm sure he'll be there for awhile."
Skubal played three seasons for the Redhawks, finishing his career with a 21-7 record, 3.36 ERA and 224 strikeouts. The lefty is the program's all-time leader in wins and opponent batting average (.221), while being listed second in total strikeouts, third in strikeouts per nine (9.79) and games started (38) and fourth-overall in innings pitched (206.0).
During his time at Seattle U, Skubal earned a number of accolades including National Player of the Week (2/22/2016), 2015 Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-America honors and was among the D1 Baseball Top 100 College Prospects in 2018.
Skubal was selected by the Tigers in the ninth-round, 255th overall, during the 2018 MLB June Amateur Draft, making him the highest-drafted Seattle U alum in program-history.
In two minor league seasons, Skubal has been a standout performer, traversing the Tigers' organizational ranks from Rookie League in Florida to the club's top development stop in Double-A Erie.
In his first professional season, Skubal posted a combined 3-0 record with a 0.40 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 22.1 innings. In 2019, he went 6-8 overall while notching a combined 179 strikeouts and a 2.42 ERA in 24 starts while pitching for Lakeland (A+) and Erie. As a result, the native of Kingman, Ariz., quickly became regarded as one of the top prospects in the minors.
In early spring, Skubal was invited and joined the Tigers in Florida as part of Spring Training. Following a stoppage during to the pandemic, Skubal rejoined the MLB franchise during Summer Camp workouts, before being added to the alternative squad.
"For our program this is huge, because and shows how far we've come in a short period," said Harrel. "With two big league pitchers, I think it's a great incentive for our current team and is proof that it's possible."
Tuesday's start for Skubal will become the second Seattle U pitcher to be appear in the Major Leagues, joining Milwaukee Brewers' reliever and 2013 graduate, Eric Yardley. Yardley made his MLB debut last season, with a relief appearance for the San Diego Padres on Aug. 21. His appearance in the contest, made him the first baseball alum in to play a MLB regular-season game in 60 years.
NOTES:
» Per Baseball-Reference.com, Skubal's start Tuesday against the White Sox, will be the first MLB start by a Seattle U pitcher in 63 years. The last SU pitcher to start a game was Johnny O'Brien in 1957 for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
» On Sunday, Aug. 16, Yardley recorded his first MLB career win, in a 6-5 decision over the Chicago Cubs. Per Baseball-Reference.com, the last Seattle U pitcher to record a big league win was Johnny O'Brien on Sept. 14, 1957 as the Pirates beat the Cubs, 3-1.