Tigers starter Tarik Skubal missed most of the first half due after he underwent flexor tendon surgery, but he came back for his start of the season on the Fourth of July against the A’s. It’s just one start, but fantasy owners should be pleased with what Skubal showed in his first start off the IL.

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A Look at Skubal

For the first time since August 1, 2022, Tigers LHP Tarik Skubal threw on a Major League mound. And, his 2023 debut went very well.

Across four innings, Skubal struck out six and didn’t allow a hit or a walk in the process. The 26-year-old now has a four-game streak — dating back to July 22 of last year — in which Skubal has managed to not give up an earned run in a game.

Skubal showcased his signature hard slider — which saw a fair amount of plate, but was still a wicked weapon that sped up on hitters — against the A’s, and used his four-seamer more in his first game back. His four-seamer and sinker actually played up in the shorter outing, as both sat in the upper-90s — a couple of MPH higher than his 2022 average.

Skubal accrued nine whiffs on 57 pitches: three off the four-seamer, three off the slider, two off the changeup, and one from his sinker.

Granted, Skubal did have the fortune of facing the Oakland Athletics in his first game back from the IL. But in all, it was a strong night for the stout left-hander.

The Tigers are 5.5 games back of the first-place Twins as of this writing. While it’s hard to expect Detroit to make it to the playoffs this season, the good news is that the Tigers rotation is trending upwards. Reese Olson pitched well in relief of Skubal last night, while potential trade chip Eduardo Rodriguez will return to the hill on July 5.

2023 Fantasy Outlook

It’s not hard to see why the Tigers were cautious with Skubal in his first outing back, after almost a full calendar year off the shelf. Nonetheless, the signs were promising.

The question for Skubal moving forward — at least from a fantasy perspective — is how much overall value can he bring to owners. Last season, the left-hander was a great source for strikeouts and his 3.52 ERA was quite respectable. With his stuff, that should remain the case this season.

Not to mention, he did win seven games for a Tigers team that did not live up to standards last season. Skubal may struggle to get wins on a consistent basis, but he should be able to keep the Tigers in games most nights.

Provided he stays healthy, the 26-year-old is a nice find for those who have either picked him up or held on to him.