Tigers ace Skubal exits start, to undergo imaging

MIAMI -- Detroit Tigers star left-hander Tarik Skubal left the club's 8-2 loss to the Miami Marlins in the fourth inning Friday night after experiencing tightness in his left side, according to the team.

Skubal will get imaging on Saturday to determine the severity of the injury.

"I'm obviously going to be optimistic," Skubal told reporters after the game, according to The Detroit News. "I understand I took myself out of the game. I understand there is some sort of concern, right? But I've seen our trainers, done a lot of physical stuff and nothing really jumps out at me. So in that aspect, I'm optimistic about it.

"We'll get some more information, probably some imaging just to see what's there and maybe calm the brain down a little bit, too."

Skubal threw 45 pitches in 3⅓ innings, allowing four hits and four earned runs. He walked none and struck out two batters.

Also on Friday, Javier Baez left after he fouled off a pitch that struck near his left eye in the second inning.

Baez swung at a 90 mph changeup from Sandy Alcantara. The ball first deflected off the brim of his batting helmet before making contact near his eye.

Baez remained on the ground near home plate and was tended to by the Tigers training staff. He quickly reached his feet and left the game. Trey Sweeney completed the at-bat with a strikeout that was credited to Baez.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.