Detroit Tigers rookie Tarik Skubal only expected to pitch three innings.
The 24-year-old rookie is finishing the season on a strict innings restriction (as is fellow rookie Casey Mize). Both starting pitchers should finish just below 150 innings in their second MLB seasons, preparing them for an increased workload in 2022.
On Saturday night, Skubal didn't need to argue with manager AJ Hinch for additional work against the Kansas City Royals. The skipper gave Skubal a fist bump upon his return to the dugout in the third inning, indicating his return for the fourth.
Skubal tossed four scoreless innings, but the offense didn't back the pitchers until Miguel Cabrera delivered a key double in the sixth inning.