Justin Verlander had a four-word message after watching Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal throw the first complete game shutout of his career — and doing it on fewer than 100 pitches.
“I love good pitching,” the former Tigers ace told the Detroit Free Press.
Verlander said he’s become a big fan of Skubal, and offered the Tigers some advice on how to handle their star pitcher. Verlander said they should be pitching him deep into games, just as he did during his time in Detroit.
If I’m the Tigers, and I’ve got the best pitcher in baseball, I want that (expletive) out there — ride that horse,” Verlander said. “That’s the way I thought about it when I was pitching.”
Skubal said he had the chance to meet Skubal when the Tigers faced the San Francisco Giants in spring training, saying he sees Verlander as a role model.
You’re a little star-struck, honestly,” Skubal said. “What he means to this organization, and what he’s accomplished in his career — he’s a Hall of Famer, and he’s been doing it for a long time. When you’re in my shoes, you strive to be who he is. I think that’s pretty cool.”
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The Tigers have gotten a lot out of the Cy Young winner so far this season, riding Skubal to a 5-2 record. He has a 2.49 ERA with an MLB-leading 92 total strikeouts, leading the Tigers to a league-best 37-20 record.
