Skubal Shines as Tigers Top Blue Jays in Spring Training

DUNEDIN, FL – The Detroit Tigers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 6-1 on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in a spring training contest at TD Ballpark. Tarik Skubal, the reigning two-time American League Cy Young Award winner, led the Tigers with a strong performance on the mound, striking out seven batters in 4 2/3 innings.

Skubal’s Dominant Outing and ABS Challenge

Skubal allowed just one run and three hits with no walks during his outing. Notably, he successfully challenged a called ball in the first inning, resulting in a strikeout against Davis Schneider. Skubal, who initially stated he wouldn’t utilize the automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system, tapped his hat to initiate the challenge after disagreeing with the umpire’s call on a 96.2 mph fastball as reported by the Detroit Free Press.

“I was pretty convicted in that pitch being a strike,” Skubal said. “It was closer than I thought it was, so that kind of place it in perspective, but I thought it was a strike.”

Scherzer’s Performance for the Blue Jays

Opposing Skubal was Max Scherzer, a 41-year-old right-hander, who pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings for the Blue Jays, allowing two hits and two walks although recording five strikeouts. According to the Associated Press, Scherzer is on a one-year contract guaranteeing $3 million.

Offensive Highlights

Matt Vierling drove in two runs for the Tigers with doubles in the fifth and seventh innings. Wenceel Perez, John Peck, Andrew Jenkins, and Max Anderson also contributed with RBIs. Daulton Varsho hit a home run for the Blue Jays. TSN reports that the Blue Jays will next face the Modern York Mets in Port St. Lucie, Florida, on Sunday.

Looking Ahead

Skubal is expected to have one more spring training outing before the Detroit Tigers’ season opener on March 26 against the San Diego Padres. The Tigers are currently 5-11 with four ties in Grapefruit League play.