Tarik Skubal Dominates With 13 Strikeouts: Can He Win the AL Cy Young?

By Oliver Wiener July 01, 2025 04:14

Tarik Skubal’s recent masterclass on the mound striking out 13 batters over seven scoreless innings against the Minnesota Twins has intensified the conversation around his candidacy for the 2025 American League Cy Young Award. With his dominant performance on June 29 at Comerica Park, Skubal not only tied his career high in strikeouts but also showcased the kind of dominance that places him among the elite pitchers in baseball today.

A Performance for the Ages

Skubal (10-2) was nearly untouchable, allowing just a single clean hit a fifth-inning single by Ty France and no runs. His command and pitch mix baffled the Twins, particularly his changeup, which accounted for seven of his strikeouts. Remarkably, Skubal struck out eight of the first nine batters he faced, including a stretch of seven consecutive strikeouts, just shy of the Tigers’ franchise record of nine in a row.

This outing marked Skubal’s 10th straight decision win, a streak that hasn’t been matched by a Detroit lefty since Earl Whitehill in 1930. Over his last 15 starts, Skubal has posted a sparkling 1.74 ERA, underscoring his consistency and dominance. His strikeout total for the season now stands at 138, leading the American League, while his ERA is an impressive 2.15.

The Cy Young Case

Skubal’s June performance was historic he went 5-0 in the month, joining Tigers legends Justin Verlander (2011) and Max Scherzer (2013) as the only pitchers in the last 25 years to start a month 4-0 or better for Detroit. Both Verlander and Scherzer went on to win the AL Cy Young Award those seasons, a promising omen for Skubal.

Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch praised Skubal’s dominance, stating, “Tarik’s stuff is electric. When he’s on, he’s one of the toughest pitchers to face in the league. That changeup is unhittable, and his confidence is sky-high right now.” Skubal’s ability to maintain velocity deep into games and mix pitches effectively has made him a formidable presence on the mound.

Baseball analyst Jessica Morales added, “Skubal’s combination of strikeout ability, control, and run prevention puts him in the elite tier. If he continues this pace, he’s not just a Cy Young candidate he’s the front-runner.”

Supporting Cast and Team Impact

The Tigers’ offense gave Skubal early support with solo home runs from Kerry Carpenter and Riley Greene, allowing him to pitch with a comfortable lead. Carpenter’s homer came on a 3-2 changeup in the first inning, while Greene’s blast in the fourth added insurance. The Tigers’ bullpen, led by Will Vest who earned his 13th save, closed out the game, preserving Skubal’s gem.

Statistical Snapshot

Stat Value (2025 Season)

Record: 10-2
ERA: 2.15
Strikeouts: 138 (AL leader)
Walks: 14
Strikeouts per 9 IP: Approximately 11.2
Last 15 Starts ERA: 1.74

Looking Forward

Skubal’s dominance has not only energized the Tigers but also made him one of the most feared pitchers in the league. His ability to strike out batters in bunches and limit hard contact makes him a legitimate contender for the AL Cy Young Award as the season progresses.

With just over half the season complete, the question remains: can Skubal maintain this level of excellence and fend off other top pitchers in the league? Given his current trajectory and the historical parallels to Verlander and Scherzer, the answer looks increasingly likely to be yes.

In the words of Skubal himself after the game, “Every start is a chance to get better. I’m just focused on helping the team win and keeping hitters off balance. If I keep doing that, good things will happen.”

Tarik Skubal’s 13-strikeout masterpiece is more than a single dominant outing it’s a statement that he’s firmly in the Cy Young conversation and poised to make history for the Detroit Tigers.