Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal looked like himself in his long-awaited return from flexor tendon surgery.
Only better.
His fastball was faster. His slider shape had more depth. His refined mindset gave him the confidence to fill the strike zone relentlessly. The Oakland Athletics, the worst team in baseball, sporting the game's worst offense, couldn't touch his nasty five-pitch arsenal, going hitless through four innings.
The 26-year-old improved as a pitcher while rehabbing.
"I kind of expect Skubal to be a monster every time," Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said after Tuesday's 1-0 loss in extra innings.