Sandy Alcantara Tarik Skubal showdown Two-time defending AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal will face off against 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara in a highly anticipated matchup at Comerica Park on Sunday. The Tigers will host the Marlins at 1:40 p.m. ET, with both pitchers expected to dominate the game. Skubal, known for his elite performance, has posted a 2.31 ERA since the start of the 2024 season, ranking among the league’s best pitchers. Alcantara, meanwhile, has returned to form after a challenging 2024 season marred by a Tommy John surgery recovery, and his recent three starts have showcased his dominance with a low pitch count and high efficiency. Skubal’s reputation as a top-tier pitcher is well-established. Since 2024, he has maintained a 2.31 ERA, the lowest among qualified pitchers, and has accumulated 13.1 WAR, the highest in the league. His ability to consistently locate pitches and limit damage has made him a key asset for the Tigers. However, Alcantara’s resurgence has added intrigue to the matchup. Through three starts, the right-hander has pitched 24 1/3 innings, averaging 10.7 pitches per inning, and has posted an expected ERA of 1.36. His performance has been reminiscent of his pre-injury peak, with a career-low 4.7% walk rate and a 12.3% batting average against. Alcantara’s return to form has been remarkable, especially considering his absence from the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery. After missing 571 days between MLB starts, he struggled in 2025, posting a 5.36 ERA, the third-worst among qualified starters. However, his 2026 season has seen a dramatic turnaround. His 2026 campaign has been marked by improved command, a higher ground-ball rate, and a significant drop in hard-hit balls. Batters are chasing his pitches more often, with a 45.#tarik_skubal #tigers #comerica_park #marlins #sandy_alcantara
2026 MLB Predictions: World Series Champion, Division Winners, Wild Cards The 2026 MLB regular season has begun, with the Opening Night game between the Yankees and Giants airing on Netflix at 8:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday, followed by Opening Day on Thursday. MLB.com staff members have made predictions for the season, including division winners, Wild Cards, league champions, and the World Series outcome. The AL East is expected to be the most competitive division, with the Blue Jays favored to retain their title after a strong 2025 turnaround. Despite losing key players like Bo Bichette, Toronto’s roster includes marquee free agents such as Dylan Cease and Kazuma Okamoto. The team faces challenges with injuries to starters Trey Yesavage, José Berríos, and Shane Bieber but remains a top contender. A division title would mark their first back-to-back championships since 1991-93. Other teams receiving votes include the Yankees, Red Sox, and Orioles. The Tigers are projected to win the AL Central after a strong 2025 season, despite a late-season collapse. Their rotation, featuring Tarik Skubal, Framber Valdez, and Justin Verlander, is considered their strongest since 2014. Offensively, Kevin McGonigle, the No. 2 prospect in MLB, could provide a significant upgrade at shortstop. The Royals are also in the mix for votes. Seattle is the favorite to win the AL West, with a roster that includes MVP threats Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez. The team re-signed Josh Naylor and replaced Eugenio Suárez with Brendan Donovan, bolstering their offense. The Mariners’ pitching staff is considered one of the best in the league, supported by a well-rounded lineup. Other contenders for the West include the Astros, Rangers, and Athletics. The AL Wild Cards are expected to come from the AL East, with the Yankees, Red Sox, and Orioles all in the running.#giants #mlb #yankees #blue_jays #tigers
