The big story in baseball the last few days centered on Tigers ace Tarik Skubal and if he would stay with Team USA to pitch again in the World Baseball Classic.
Skubal initially planned to pitch once in the tournament and return to spring training. But he got caught up in the emotion of the event and considered starting a second game.
Skubal ultimately decided against it and returned to Tigers camp after Monday’s game against Mexico and will prepare for his Opening Day start on March 26 in San Diego.
It was the smart thing to do. Skubal, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, will be a free agent after the season and is lined up for a huge contract. Injuries can happen at any time, especially for a pitcher. But why add to the risk?
Red Sox lefthander Garrett Crochet, the best player not in the WBC based on bWAR from last season, understands the conflict.
Read Peter Abraham's full story at BostonGlobe.com/Sports. | 
