Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal has established himself as one of the elite starters in Major League Baseball, particularly known for stifling opposing offenses. His presence on the mound leaves very few hitters able to score against him.
Among the rare few to connect for a home run off Skubal this season is LA Angels prospect Zach Neto, who launched a ball on the very first pitch Skubal threw during their May matchup. However, Skubal quickly responded by striking out Neto during their next encounter at bat.
After that strikeout, the tension between the two players escalated into a heated confrontation that caused both teams’ benches to clear momentarily. Despite this intense moment, the situation was diffused when Skubal gave an apologetic gesture, and Neto responded in kind, signaling mutual respect.
Zach Neto Shares Respectful Reflections on Rivalry with Skubal
On Monday’s episode of Dugout Discussions, insider Chris Rose highlighted Neto’s perspective on the exchange and on facing Skubal’s pitching prowess. Neto expressed genuine admiration for Skubal’s skill and competitive spirit.
“I thought it was just the game, you know,” Neto said (Timestamp: 7:19). “I got his best pitch, and I hit it pretty good, and he got me out with his best pitch. I got nothing bad against him. He’s one of the best pitchers in baseball, if not the best, to be able to get my best swing off of him and be able to hit a home run, I think is pretty cool.” —Zach Neto
“Him punching me out, in a big situation like that, I know it fired him up, because it got him out of the inning. Just two guys going at it, trying to give it their all everyday. After he said everything and I kind barked back at him, him showing the respect, it was pretty cool.” —Zach Neto
Skubal Pursues a Second Straight AL Cy Young Award
Tarik Skubal played a crucial role in Detroit Tigers’ return to postseason baseball for the first time since 2015, which earned him the American League Cy Young Award last year. In 2025, he continues to assert himself as a top contender to repeat this achievement.
Currently, Skubal and Boston Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet are the leading candidates vying for the Cy Young honor. Their performances are remarkably close statistically, with Skubal holding an 11-3 record, a 2.42 ERA, and 190 strikeouts, while Crochet has a 13-5 record, a 2.43 ERA, and 196 strikeouts.
With such a tight race shaping up, Skubal’s continued excellence is pivotal not only for his personal legacy but also for the Detroit Tigers’ prospects this season. How this competition unfolds will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike as both pitchers push to cement their place among the game’s best.