Skubal perplexed by Tigers' injuries: 'We might have to start lighting sage'

The string of bad luck for the Detroit Tigers' starting rotation continued Friday when right-hander Tarik Skubal left his team's game versus the Cleveland Guardians after being struck in his left leg by a 104-mph line drive.

"We might have to start lighting some sage or something. I don't know. It's pretty tough. A lot of weird stuff going on," said Skubal following Detroit's 6-1 loss, according to the Detroit News' Chris McCosky.

Skubal fired five scoreless innings before limping off the field. The 25-year-old was diagnosed with a left shin contusion, according to MLB.com's Jason Beck. He'll reportedly undergo further evaluation Saturday.

"I feel good," Skubal said. "I'm going to take it day by day, but I'm very optimistic. With what happened and where I got hit, I feel pretty good, and I'll do everything I can to prepare to start in five days."

Skubal entered Friday as the last healthy member of a Tigers rotation ravaged by injuries.

Eduardo Rodriguez (oblique), Casey Mize (elbow), Matt Manning (shoulder), Michael Pineda (finger), Tyler Alexander (elbow), and Spencer Turnbull (Tommy John) are all dealing with ailments.

Detroit sits last in the American League Central with a 13-26 record after entering the 2022 campaign with high expectations due to an offseason spending spree.