In his final spring training appearance, Tarik Skubal showed glimpses of his dominant self, even though a tough third inning marred his outing. Facing a Philadelphia Phillies lineup stacked with seasoned hitters, Skubal started strong, breezing through the first two innings without giving up a run. His pitches had the sharpness that made him a standout last season, and he effectively kept the Phillies off balance.
However, the third inning was a different story. Justin Crawford's leadoff triple set the stage, and despite Trea Turner's groundout, an error by Spencer Torkelson allowed Kyle Schwarber to reach base, opening the floodgates. Bryce Harper, Alec Bohm, and Adolis García capitalized on the opportunity, driving in four runs collectively and ending Skubal's day on a sour note.
Despite the rough inning, Skubal's performance shouldn't cause too much concern. The error extended the inning, and the decision to bring him back for more work suggests the team remains confident in his abilities. It’s clear the Tigers see him as a key piece heading into the regular season.
On the other side of things, Kevin McGonigle's day wasn't as promising. The 22-year-old prospect went 0-for-3, with a strikeout that was upheld by the new automated ball-strike system.
His struggles at the plate didn't help his case for making the Opening Day roster, leaving his fate uncertain. McGonigle has undeniable potential, but whether he's ready for the majors or needs more time in the minors remains to be seen.
The Tigers managed to rally for a 4-4 tie, thanks to Dillon Dingler's clutch two-run homer in the seventh inning. Enmanuel De Jesus also impressed, delivering two scoreless innings with three strikeouts. His performance this spring has been stellar, adding depth to the Tigers' bullpen.
As Opening Day approaches, Detroit's roster decisions will be crucial, and the performances in these final games are offering plenty of food for thought.