In a surprising turn, the Detroit Tigers scratched Tarik Skubal from his planned start against the Boston Red Sox. Although the full story remains limited, early indications point to the Tigers feeling secure in their current pitching strategy.
Why Tigers scratched Tarik Skubal from his start vs. Red Sox

Key Takeaways:
- Tarik Skubal was removed from a scheduled start vs. the Red Sox.
- Detroit “found itself in a favorable position” prior to the change.
- The story originates from Sporting News and author Billy Heyen.
- The move came on September 28, 2025.
- Specific reasons beyond the Tigers’ stated advantage remain undisclosed.
The Scheduled Start
Tarik Skubal was originally set to take the mound against the Boston Red Sox, a matchup that drew attention from baseball fans looking to see how the Detroit Tigers would fare in a late-season game. The announcement of Skubal’s start had been a point of focus, as he is widely recognized within the Tigers’ rotation.
The Decision to Scratch Skubal
Not long before the game, Detroit made the call to scratch Skubal—something described in the news feed as part of a “favorable position.” Although details on that position remain sparse, the team’s action suggests confidence in its current pitching depth. This abrupt change has spurred curiosity, leaving fans wondering how a sudden rotation adjustment might affect the Tigers’ overall strategy.
Possible Reasons and Impact
While official reasons were not laid out in the limited feed, the Tigers’ move may point to strategic flexibility, particularly if the pitching staff has shown resiliency in recent matchups. Observers can only speculate whether it was a matter of caution or a reshuffling of priorities, but the Tigers clearly felt it was a sound choice given their circumstances.
Looking Ahead
At this stage, the broader implications of Skubal’s scratched start remain unknown. It may alter how the Tigers align future rotations or hint at a new approach to managing their bullpen. Regardless, the change underscores Detroit’s ability to pivot as needed and maintain its stated “favorable position.” How it plays out in the coming games will likely answer lingering questions about the Tigers’ strategy and Skubal’s next opportunity to shine on the mound.