Tigers' Tarik Skubal is already dealing to start the 2024 season

Much of the talk of the potential success the Detroit Tigers could have in 2024 has centered around starting pitcher Tarik Skubal and his ability to be a Cy Young-worthy pitcher.

When his stuff is good, there are few pitchers in MLB better than the 27-year-old lefty.

The good news for Detroit was that his stuff looked great all spring. Even better news? Skubal picked off right where he let off in spring training on Opening Day.

Getting the start against the division-rival Chicago White Sox, Skubal was absolutely on fire. He pitched six innings of shutout baseball with no walks and six strikeouts.

Yes, he benefited from the excellent defense in left field from Riley Greene, but all things considered, Skubal looked like the ace he's meant to be for this Tigers squad.

Skubal also owes a hat tip to his bullpen. Shelby Miller, Andrew Chafin and Jason Foley cemented the shutout — with Foley in particular looking great as a closer by striking out the last two batters to record his first save of the season.

The story of this game was Detroit's pitching, but the fact that Skubal already appears to be in midseason form is the big takeaway. If he continues to pitch like this as the leader of what is expected to be a strong starting rotation for Detroit — the Tigers could be dangerous.