Detroit Tigers fans are already calling for manager AJ Hinch's job after the team's heartbreaking loss to the Seattle Mariners in Game 5 of the ALDS. But Hinch’s decision to remove ace Tarik Skubal after six innings and 99 pitches was not the real reason the Tigers lost — and an extra inning from him likely wouldn’t have changed the outcome of the game.
Skubal did his job, and he did it brilliantly. He gave the Tigers everything they could’ve possibly asked for in a winner-take-all game. He was still dominating into the sixth inning, but 99 pitches is right around the danger zone for fatigue – especially for a power lefty whose success depends on maintaining fastball life and slider sharpness.