PITTSBURGH — Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal and his wife, Jessica, are welcoming a new baby to their family.
It’s their second child.
Their first child, Kasen, was born in October 2023.
“We’re on baby watch,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “It’s imminent. We don’t really know when the baby is coming. They’re anticipating it could be any minute.”
As for Skubal’s status, the Tigers placed him on the paternity list before the series finale Wednesday, July 23, against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, opening a spot on the roster for right-hander Troy Melton to be activated for his MLB debut.
Skubal is scheduled to start Saturday, July 26, against the Toronto Blue Jays at Comerica Park. His paternity leave covers up to three games, from July 23-25.
“It’ll be a three-day paternity,” Hinch said, “and we’ll celebrate another Skubal baby.”
The Tigers also designated outfielder Brewer Hicklen for assignment, creating space on the 40-man roster for Melton, who was promoted from Triple-A Toledo as the Tigers’ starter for Wednesday’s game against the Pirates.
It could be more than a spot start for Melton.
The 24-year-old has a chance to stay in the Tigers’ starting rotation, which currently includes Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Reese Olson, Casey Mize and Keider Montero.
Melton registered a 2.72 ERA with nine walks and 56 strikeouts across 36⅓ innings in eight games (six starts) for Triple-A Toledo before making his MLB debut. He is the Tigers’ No. 10 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline.
“He can handle everything, whether it’s the game plan, the routine, the in-game adjustments,” Hinch said. “He’s been challenged, and he’s been responded to it. We’re giving him the opportunity because we think he can help us win, and his stuff is really good.”
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Before being placed on the paternity list, Skubal pitched Sunday, July 20, against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. He then traveled with the Tigers to Pittsburgh, but after his pregame workout Monday, July 21, at PNC Park, he returned to Detroit to be with his wife, Jessica, and their first child, Kasen.
The newest member of the Skubal family is on the way.
“Maybe it’s today, maybe it’s tomorrow,” Hinch said.
Skubal, 28, has a 2.19 ERA with 16 walks and 164 strikeouts across 127⅔ innings in 20 starts. He is on pace to become the first American League pitcher to win the Cy Young in back-to-back seasons since Pedro Martínez in 1999-2000.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers place Tarik Skubal on paternity list for new baby. When will he return?
Reporting by Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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