MIAMI — Detroit Tigers star left-hander Tarik Skubal left the club’s 8-2 loss to the Miami Marlins in the fourth inning Friday night after experiencing tightness in his left side, according to the team.
Skubal will get imaging to determine the severity of the injury. He said he doesn’t know if he will undergo the tests during the remainder of the Tigers’ stay in Miami or return to Detroit.
“I understand there is some sort of concern but at the same time I’ve seen our trainer do a lot of physical stuff,” Skubal said. “In that aspect, I’m optimistic. We’ll get more information, get some imaging on it and see what’s there just to calm the brain down, too.
“Hopefully, there’s nothing there and we stop talking about this as soon as possible.”
Skubal threw 45 pitches in 3⅓ innings, allowing four hits and four earned runs. He walked none and struck out two batters.
The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner allowed a leadoff single to Heriberto Hernandez and then retired Eric Wagaman on a flyout to center field when he exited.
“There are some aches and pains that come and go when you’re out there playing. This one was new to me,” Skubal said. “And that’s kind of what made my decision for me.”
Skubal immediately motioned to manager A.J. Hinch and a Tigers training staff member.
“We have to get him looked at,” Hinch said. “We hope for the best.”
Also on Friday, Javier Baez left after he fouled off a pitch that struck near his left eye in the second inning.
Baez swung at a 90 mph changeup from Sandy Alcantara. The ball first deflected off the brim of his batting helmet before making contact near his eye.
Baez remained on the ground near home plate and was tended to by the Tigers training staff. He quickly reached his feet and left the game. Trey Sweeney completed the at-bat with a strikeout that was credited to Baez.
Baez cleared concussion protocol, according to the Tigers. He is listed as day-to-day.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
