Tigers ace Tarik Skubal (left side tightness) to undergo tests

Detroit Tigers ace left-hander Tarik Skubal left Friday night's series opener against the host Miami Marlins due to tightness in his left side.

According to ESPN, Skubal will undergo imaging Saturday to learn the extent of the injury.

Skubal, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, retired Miami's Heriberto Hernandez on a popup leading off the bottom of the fourth of the Marlins' 8-2 victory. Before throwing his next pitch, Skubal tugged at his jersey under his left arm and motioned to the dugout.

After manager A.J. Hinch and assistant trainer Kelly Rhoades joined catcher Jake Rogers at the mound, Skubal was lifted in favor of reliever Rafael Montero.

Skubal was charged with four runs on four hits with two strikeouts and no walks in 3 1/3 innings on Friday. It marked the first time since June 19, 2024 -- a stretch of 44 starts -- that the 28-year-old compiled more runs allowed than innings pitched. He threw 33 of his 45 pitches for strikes.

Skubal is favored to repeat as the AL Cy Young winner. Despite taking the loss Friday, he paces the AL Central-leading Tigers' rotation with a 13-5 record, 2.26 ERA and 0.86 WHIP this season.

--Field Level Media