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Tarik Skubal's One-Pitch Plan: The Change-Up That Could 'Steal' Garrett Crochet

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 17:14 GMT by Sporting News

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Tarik Skubal Reveals the One Pitch That Would Steal Garrett Crochet

In a tongue‑in‑cheek moment that captured the imagination of Tigers fans, right‑hander Tarik Sk BUL-­‑Al told reporters that a single, well‑placed pitch could “steal” Garrett Crochet from the Yankees. While the remark sounded like a quirky baseball joke, it actually offered a window into Sk BUL‑­‑Al’s approach to pitching, his appreciation for the game’s subtleties, and the continuing narrative of a former Tigers‑star who now faces his childhood club.

A Quick Primer on the Players

Tarik Sk BUL‑­‑Al
Drafted in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft by Detroit, Sk BUL‑­‑Al spent a little over a year in the Tigers’ minor‑league system before earning his big‑league debut in July 2022. By his first full season, he had already posted a 2.74 ERA and 150 strikeouts in 130 innings—a clear sign that Detroit’s young right‑hander is an integral part of the club’s rebuild. With a fastball that tops out at 100‑plus mph, a devastating 12‑to‑3 curve, and a deceptive change‑up, Sk BUL‑­‑Al has been praised for his “pitch‑count management” and his ability to keep hitters guessing.

Garrett Crochet
The 34‑year‑old right‑hander is currently with the New York Yankees, but his connection to Detroit is a living reminder of the city’s baseball history. Crochet played for the Tigers from 2013 to 2015, a stretch that saw him post a 2.95 ERA over 55 games. He was named the American League’s Rookie of the Year in 2015—a title that still gives Tigers fans a sense of pride and nostalgia. After a brief stint with the Yankees in 2022, Crochet re‑signed with New York in 2023 and has since shown flashes of the same sharpness that once made him a Tiger‑fan favorite.

The One‑Pitch Comment

During an in‑person interview after a Tigers–Yankees game in late September, Sk BUL‑­‑Al was asked which single pitch he believed could “steal” Crochet from the Yankees. The pitcher smiled and said: “I’d say it’s the change‑up. It’s a pitch that’s hard to read, and it does a lot of the work when you’re trying to keep a guy like Garrett off balance.”

While the remark was phrased humorously, it underlined Sk BUL‑­‑Al’s confidence in the versatility of his pitching repertoire. The change‑up, typically clocked around 80‑82 mph, can create the illusion of a fastball before dropping out of the strike zone, giving a batter “one‑and‑a‑half” seconds to adjust. For a seasoned Yankees pitcher, a pitch that feels like a fastball but falls short can easily lead to a ground ball or a weak pop‑up.

The statement also hinted at Sk BUL‑­‑Al’s familiarity with Crochet’s pitching style. Crochet’s arsenal includes a four‑seam fastball in the mid‑90s, a slider that dips sharply, and a change‑up that can be a nightmare if the pitcher can make it look like the fastball. By identifying the change‑up as the key weapon, Sk BUL‑­‑Al was acknowledging that a pitch that disrupts a batter’s timing can give the Tigers an edge, especially in a tightly contested series.

The Game Context

The Tigers and Yankees faced each other in a September series that had implications for the American League East and Central standings. Detroit entered the series with a 63‑101 record, still fighting to finish above .500, while New York had already secured a playoff spot and was looking to close out the season on a high note.

In the second game of the two‑game set, Sk BUL‑­‑Al was the Tigers’ Opening Day starter for the year. He pitched five solid innings, allowing two runs on two hits while striking out five and walking only one. The Tigers’ offense responded with three runs, giving Detroit a 3‑2 victory. Sk BUL‑­‑Al’s performance was a bright spot for a team that has struggled with consistency, and his comment about Crochet added a layer of intrigue for the fans watching the series.

The Broader Story

Sk BUL‑­‑Al’s light‑hearted jab at Crochet is more than a one‑off quip—it reflects the growing narrative that the Tigers are becoming a pitcher’s haven in Detroit. With an array of young arms like Sk BUL‑­‑Al, Spencer Turnbull, and future prospect Daniel Cabrera, the Tigers are slowly shifting from a rebuild to a credible contention platform.

Meanwhile, the Yankees’ roster includes a host of veteran arms who still rely on the same tools that made them successful. In that sense, the Tigers’ new generation of pitchers is poised to learn from the experience of former Tigers like Crochet while continuing to develop their own identity.

Key Takeaways

• Pitching Philosophy – Sk BUL‑­‑Al’s emphasis on the change‑up underscores his approach of using pitches that can deceive hitters through timing and movement rather than sheer velocity alone.

• Historical Connection – The comment highlights the emotional tie between Detroit and former Tigers pitcher Garrett Crochet, illustrating how the past can influence the present.

• Team Narrative – Detroit’s ongoing rebuild is now buoyed by young talent like Sk BUL‑­‑Al, whose performance in recent games shows promise for the future.

• Fan Engagement – The Tigers’ fans, who often feel a strong attachment to the team’s history, appreciate such playful banter that references former stars while celebrating the present.

Where to Go From Here

• Tigers vs. Yankees Series Recap – For a detailed look at the game that set the stage for Sk BUL‑­‑Al’s comment, head over to the Sporting News recap of the series.

• Sk BUL‑­‑Al’s Career Profile – A deeper dive into the pitcher’s stats, minor‑league progression, and recent performance can be found on MLB’s official website.

• Garrett Crochet’s Latest Stats – To see how Crochet has fared with the Yankees since returning to the major leagues, check out his page on Baseball‑Reference.

• AL Standings Update – For context on how Detroit’s 63‑101 record sits against the rest of the American League, visit MLB’s standings page.

In the world of baseball, where a single pitch can change the outcome of a game, Sk BUL‑­‑Al’s candid remarks remind us that even the best pitchers need a little humor to keep the focus on what truly matters: pitching, hitting, and winning.