A.J. Hinch reveals Tigers' Tarik Skubal is off limits in Game 4 vs. Mariners

The Detroit Tigers are facing elimination on Wednesday in Game 4 of the ALDS against the Seattle Mariners, and manager A.J. Hinch made it clear the Tigers' ace will not be available to pitch.

Tigers' pitcher Tarik Skubal pitched Game 2 of the ALDS, and delivered seven innings of two-run baseball, and struck out nine batters.

That set up the ace to pitch in a potential Game 5 on Saturday, Oct. 10 on normal rest. However, now the Tigers are facing elimination in Game 4, but Hinch is standing firm on his ace's pitching schedule.

Hinch Reveals Tarik Skubal is Off Limits in Game 4

The Tigers may be facing elimination on Wednesday, but that doesn't mean everything is on the table. Hinch made it clear prior to Game 4 that Skubal is not available, according to MLive Media Group's Evan Woodbery.

"No, Tarik is going to start Game 5," Hinch said. "He's done his normal prep to be prepared for an all-in Game 5."

It's certainly a risky move for the Tigers. Detroit is facing elimination, and will have its best pitcher off limits in a game that will determine its season.

However, if the Tigers can pull out a home win in Game 4, it would set up quite a Game 5 with Skubal on the mound.

— Calico Joe (@CalicoJoeMLB) September 30, 2025

Although the Mariners won Game 2, the first game Skubal started in the series, he still produced an incredible outing. The Tigers would feel as confident as ever with their ace on the mound in a winner-takes-all Game 5.

It's a risky move by the Tigers, but they'll have all their high-leverage relievers available for Game 4. The Tigers' season is on the line on Wednesday afternoon, but Detroit will save their ace for a potential Game 5 back in Seattle.