Tarik Skubal’s outlook on 2026 season will fire up Tigers fans

The Detroit Tigers are having a very tough season, but at least one player believes they can turn it around. Tarik Skubal, who is the subject of trade rumors, believes the Tigers can still make a run to the postseason.

“We’ve been counted out before,” Skubal said, per the Detroit Free Press. “Rightfully so, we were counted out, and rightfully so, we’re counted out right now. It’s the back-against-the-wall type of thing. We’ll see who we really are and how we fight. I’ve seen it before, and that gives me a ton of confidence in this group.”

Detroit is last in the American League Central, heading into Tuesday. The Tigers are 23-38, with losses in seven of their last 10 games.

As a result of their struggles, Skubal has been the subject of constant trade rumors. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees and other teams are all possible destinations.

Skubal is trying to drown out all that noise.

“With all the trade stuff, we just got to start winning games,” Skubal said. “Last year, there was not one word about me being traded. Winning calms all that stuff down, and that’s what this team needs to do.”

The Tigers ace has been out hurt with elbow issues. He is hopeful to return very soon to the team’s rotation.

“I think it was another good day, another positive day,” Skubal said after throwing a simulated game Monday, per MLB.com. “I feel great now, went through all my post-throw stuff in the weight room and the training room and I feel good. Now I just need to sleep well, wake up and see how I feel tomorrow. But like I said last time, don’t expect anything to be different. I’m going to be general pitching sore, but that’s a good thing.”

Detroit plays the Tampa Bay Rays Tuesday. The Rays are yet another team linked to Skubal, according to news reports.

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