Tarik Skubal's dominant stretch earns AL player of the week award
Tarik Skubal's dominant stretch earns AL player of the week award originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Tarik Skubal certainly didn't need another trophy to validate what he's doing this season. But when you dominate like he has, the league has no choice but to recognize it.
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Skubal was named the American League Player of the Week on Monday after a pair of lights-out performances that continued his push for a second straight Cy Young.
The Tigers' ace went 2-0, struck out 21 batters in 13 innings, and gave a national audience a taste of just how dominant he's been.
On Sunday Night Baseball, in Detroit's first nationally televised home game since 2017, Skubal shoved. He held the Twins to just one hit over seven shutout innings, walked one, and punched out 13—his career high.
The lefty was surgical, electric, everything you'd want from a frontline ace. And he did it with the poise of someone who's been in complete control all season.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal celebrates after an inning-ending double play against the Cleveland Guardians during Game 2 of the ALDS at Progressive Field on Oct. 7, 2024.David Richard-Imagn Images
With that win, Skubal improved to 10-2 on the year and now leads the AL in strikeouts (138) and ERA (2.15). He's giving Detroit a legitimate ace every five days—and giving opposing hitters a nightmare to circle on the calendar.
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The Tigers are tied for the best record in baseball heading into July, and Skubal is a massive reason why. There's a quiet confidence when he takes the mound now. Not the kind that needs headlines. The kind that wins games.
This isn't a fluke or a hot stretch. This is who Tarik Skubal is—and who he's becoming. The American League took notice this week. The rest of the baseball world might want to follow suit.
Related: MLB Honors Tarik Skubal's Historic Accomplishment Following Dominant Start
Related: Tigers Slugger Faces Uncertainty After Injury Forces Early Exit Sunday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
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