Tarik Skubal Explains Driving in Rainstorm to Rejoin Team USA at 2026 WBC, 'Not a Safe Drive'

While Tarik Skubal initially opted to leave Team USA and return to the Detroit Tigers' spring training after his World Baseball Classic star, the star ace is back with the team.

Ahead of the WBC final against either Italy or Venezuela, Skubal explained why he wanted to return.

"I just can't miss an opportunity to share a dugout with these guys or a clubhouse with these guys," Skubal said. "It's been a very short, brief time, but I feel like I've known these guys for months, maybe years, and it's been fun to be a part of, even in a smaller role."

He added that he navigated a rainstorm to get to Miami from Lakeland, Florida, where the Tigers' spring training is held.

"Yesterday was not a safe drive," he said. "But, I got here, I'm safe now. That's all that matters."

While Skubal is not expected to make any more appearances for Team USA in the tournament, he wanted to be with his teammates to get the full experience.