DETROIT — The anticipated matchup between the Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates was postponed Wednesday due to bad weather, creating a buzz among baseball fans who were hoping for a head-to-head showdown between two of the league’s top pitchers: Paul Skenes of the Pirates and Detroit’s reigning AL Cy Young award winner, Tarik Skubal.
Originally slated to pitch on separate days, the postponement means that both pitchers will take the mound at Comerica Park on the same day, albeit in different games. This has disappointed fans eager for a direct face-off between the two All-Stars, as they will pitch in the first and second games of a doubleheader on Thursday.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch commented humorously on the situation, stating that the choice of pitchers was ultimately based on Skubal’s preference for starting in the first game. “Let me tell you how sophisticated this is… I go to Tarik Skubal and I’m like, ‘Hey, what game do you want?’ He’s like, ‘Game 1,’” Hinch said, highlighting that pitching schedules often align with individual routines and preferences.
While Pirates’ manager Don Kelly did not address the media before day games, he indicated through a spokesperson that the decision regarding the pitching lineup was based on team strategy. Fans, however, took to social media to voice their desire for the managers to reconsider and arrange a matchup between the two pitchers, showcasing the excitement surrounding this potential duel.
Despite the disappointment of missing their first head-to-head meeting, both pitchers are having remarkable seasons. Skenes has emerged as an elite pitcher in his second year, boasting a 1.78 ERA, 97 strikeouts, and leading the league in opposing batting average. Meanwhile, Skubal has maintained his excellence, posting a 1.99 ERA and an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio.
The first game of the doubleheader will begin at 1:10 p.m. with Skubal starting against left-hander Andrew Heaney, while the second game is set to commence at 5:40 p.m. with the Tigers expected to use an opener before Skenes takes the mound.
Looking ahead, there is hope that Skenes and Skubal will face each other later this season during a three-game series between the Tigers and Pirates in Pittsburgh after the All-Star break, providing another opportunity for fans to witness their talents on the same field.
In a sport where thrilling pitching performances can change the dynamics of the game, each outing from these two stars promises to deliver excitement, regardless of the absence of a direct matchup this time around.