History of Tarik Skubal in Timeline

Tarik Skubal is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Detroit Tigers in MLB. Drafted in 2018, he debuted in the major leagues in 2020. Skubal achieved significant recognition in 2024, being named an All-Star. Most notably, he became the first American League pitcher since 2011 to secure the Cy Young Award and Triple Crown in a full season, marking a remarkable achievement in his career.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

May 24, 1918: Last Tiger pitcher to strike out 12+ batters without a walk

On May 24, 1918, Eric Erickson was the last Detroit Tigers pitcher to strike out 12 or more batters without issuing a walk, in a 16-inning complete game.

November 20, 1996: Tarik Skubal was born

Tarik Skubal was born on November 20, 1996.

Others born on this day/year

2011: First full season since 2011 to win the Cy Young Award and Triple Crown

In 2024, Tarik Skubal was named an All-Star and became the first American League pitcher to win the Cy Young Award and Triple Crown in a full season since 2011.

2011: Last full season to earn the Triple Crown

Tarik Skubal and Chris Sale were the first pitchers to earn the Triple Crown in a full season since 2011, when both Justin Verlander (AL) and Clayton Kershaw (NL) earned the distinction.

2016: Missed most of the 2016 season due to injury.

Tarik Skubal missed most of the 2016 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

2017: Missed the 2017 season due to injury

Tarik Skubal missed all of the 2017 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

2018: Led the Seattle Redhawks with 106 strikeouts

In 2018, Tarik Skubal led the Seattle Redhawks with 106 strikeouts and 56 walks, pitching 80 innings.

2018: Drafted by the Detroit Tigers and spent season with Gulf Coast Tigers, Connecticut Tigers, and West Michigan Whitecaps

In 2018, Tarik Skubal was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the ninth round, and he signed with the team for a $350,000 signing bonus. He spent his first professional season with the Gulf Coast Tigers, Connecticut Tigers, and West Michigan Whitecaps, achieving a combined 3–0 record and a 0.40 ERA.

2018: Drafted by the Detroit Tigers

In 2018, the Detroit Tigers selected Tarik Skubal in the ninth round of the MLB draft.

2019: Call-up to the Erie SeaWolves

Tarik Skubal started 2019 with the Lakeland Flying Tigers and earned a call-up to the Erie SeaWolves on July 5 after impressive performances.

2020: MLB debut and first major league win

In 2020, Tarik Skubal was recalled by the Detroit Tigers and made his MLB debut on August 18. On August 29, 2020, he earned his first major league win against the Minnesota Twins.

2020: Last pitcher to win the Triple Crown before Skubal in 2024

Shane Bieber was the last pitcher to win the Triple Crown since Skubal in the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season.

2020: MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers

Tarik Skubal made his MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers in 2020.

March 24, 2021: Made the Opening Day roster

On March 24, 2021, Tigers manager A. J. Hinch announced that Tarik Skubal had made the Opening Day roster and would be in the starting rotation.

2022: Placed on injured list and underwent flexor tendon surgery

In 2022, after posting a 7-8 record, Tarik Skubal was placed on the injured list on August 3 with fatigue in his pitching arm and underwent flexor tendon surgery on August 17, ending his season.

March 14, 2023: Moved to the 60-day injured list

On March 14, 2023, the Tigers moved Tarik Skubal to the 60-day injured list, anticipating his return in the summer.

2023: Sidelined due to surgery

In 2022, the Tigers announced Skubal would likely be sidelined for the beginning of the 2023 season due to his flexor tendon surgery.

2023: Changeup became best and most used off-speed pitch

Since 2023, Tarik Skubal's best and most used off-speed pitch is a changeup that averages 86.3 mph with an elite seam-shifted wake.

2024: Named an All-Star and won the Cy Young Award and Triple Crown

In 2024, Tarik Skubal was named an All-Star and became the first American League pitcher to win the Cy Young Award and Triple Crown in a full season since 2011.

2024: Selected to represent the Tigers in the 2024 All-Star Game

On July 7, 2024, Tarik Skubal was selected to represent the Tigers in the 2024 All-Star Game.

2024: Earned first postseason win of his career

On October 1, 2024, Tarik Skubal earned the first postseason win of his career after throwing six scoreless innings with six strikeouts against the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series.

2024: Started for the Tigers on Opening Day and struck out 40+ batters through his first six starts with fewer than nine walks

Tarik Skubal started for the Tigers on Opening Day of the 2024 season. On April 28, 2024, Skubal became the first pitcher in Tigers franchise history to strike out 40+ batters through his first six starts with fewer than nine walks.