Tarik Skubal on arguing blown call: 'I didn't apologize because I didn't think I was wrong'
Skubal's Outburst: "Every Inning Matters"
Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal’s first-inning argument with home plate umpire Tom Hanahan during Friday's game against the Los Angeles Angels has sparked conversation. Now, Skubal is explaining what set him off.
The Pitch That Started It All
On Monday's episode of the "Foul Territory" podcast, Skubal addressed the heated exchange, calling out a particularly frustrating call in the top of the first inning.
“The pitch prior was a strike, and he ‘balled’ it," said Skubal. “The sequence of events is probably what led to that outburst. It wasn't just the one pitch, because I understand, everyone's human.”
Facing Angels designated hitter Mike Trout with two outs and a 3-0 count, Skubal felt the call put his team in a difficult position. A Statcast analysis confirms that a pitch before the controversial one was clearly within the strike zone.
“It’s one of the best hitters of all time in the box. I don't want to be in a 3-0 count to him,” Skubal added. “I think every inning matters, every pitch matters, and that’s probably what I was most frustrated with.”
Despite his frustration, Skubal ultimately induced Trout into a lineout to third baseman Zach McKinstry, ending the inning. The Tigers went on to win the game 6-5.
Sign-Stealing Controversy
Skubal also weighed in on sign-stealing tactics, expressing discomfort with certain practices. While he acknowledged runners on second relaying information and players in the dugout attempting to decipher tipped pitches, Skubal took issue with base coaches leaving their boxes to gain an advantage.
"The one I have a problem with is the first base coach and the third base coach that aren't in the box that they have. I don't know why they have a box if they can't just be in it," he said.
Skubal specifically called out Sandy Alomar Jr., the Cleveland Guardians' base coach, for his tactics.
Facing Legends: Bonds and Ruth
In the podcast, Skubal entertained hypothetical matchups against legendary hitters Barry Bonds and Babe Ruth. While admitting he wouldn’t mind facing Bonds, Skubal said it would be more about honoring the "greatest hitter of all time." He also shared a conversation with Tigers' legend Alan Trammel, who believes even Babe Ruth could adapt to modern baseball.
"I love that answer. And that's probably the same thing with Babe Ruth. ... once he gets up to date with modern baseball, I think he's going to be a game’s great," Skubal said.