MESA — As the Arizona Fall League rolls on, two Major League Baseball figures with Valley ties made visits: Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal and Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo.
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May 5, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Skubal, a native of Kingman, was seen at Sloan Park on Nov. 4 and again on Nov. 6, and he wasn’t merely a spectator. He spoke with several players before their game on Nov. 6. The reigning American League Cy Young Award winner could have been resting after another long season, but instead chose to spend some of his time with younger players and observing their development.
The Tigers ace finished his 2025 season with a 2.21 ERA and a 13-6 record with 241 strikeouts.
May 25, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) pitches first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
The gesture offers insight into the kind of player Skubal is. He doesn’t shy away from showing support for younger players aspiring to reach the major leagues. While many fans in Detroit know Skubal as a workhorse, those in the Valley who don’t follow him as closely got a chance to see and appreciate his dedication.
Skubal’s interest in the AFL shows that even established big-league talent keeps a close eye on rising prospects. The same can be said for the Diamondbacks’ manager.
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo watches his team from the dugout as they play against the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field in Phoenix on Sunday, March 30, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Lovullo is scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the 2025 Fall Stars Game on Sunday, continuing to support the Valley in various ways during the offseason. While many may view the league as something small, an MLB manager taking the time to show up and support young talent speaks volumes about how he values player development.
Lovullo managed his team to an 80-82 record in 2025 and three of his players received Silver Slugger Awards under his leadership on Thursday: Corbin Carroll, Geraldo Perdomo and Ketel Marte.
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo smiles before playing the St. Louis Cardinals at Chase Field in Phoenix, on July 18, 2025. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Both Skubal and Lovullo, coming off their own MLB seasons, demonstrate their commitment to developing future talent by being present for young players. As these prospects continue to work toward an opportunity to reach the majors, influencing people who have been in the league for years will undoubtedly push them to improve.
As the Fall League continues, it will be interesting to see how Skubal and Lovullo maintain their presence and continue investing in the game’s future stars.
Skub Showing Love 🐅
The reigning AL Cy Young winner once again stopped by in Mesa pic.twitter.com/hI0XWQ8HpS
— MLB’s Arizona Fall League (@MLBazFallLeague) November 7, 2025
Lovullo will throw the ceremonial first pitch for the 2025 Fall Stars on Sunday, Nov. 9.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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