Skubal exits vs. Marlins with side tightness

Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is being evaluated after departing Friday's game against the Miami Marlins in the fourth inning because of tightness in his left side, the Tigers announced.

(Video source: MLB.com)

The star left-hander will undergo imaging Saturday to determine the severity of the injury.

"I'm optimistic about it," Skubal said following Detroit's 8-2 loss to Miami, according to The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen.

"Obviously we'll get some more information and probably an image on it just to see what's there, kind of calm the brain down."

Skubal, the reigning AL Cy Young winner, is the favorite to repeat this season.

The 28-year-old owns a 2.26 ERA with 0.86 WHIP and 224 strikeouts over 183 1/3 innings (29 starts) for the AL Central-leading Tigers in 2025.

Any extended absence for Skubal would be a massive blow to Detroit with just over two weeks remaining in the regular season.

Tigers shortstop Javier Báez also left the contest after he fouled off a pitch that struck near his left eye in the second inning.