There's been no shortage of drama involving home plate umpires this season, and Tarik Skubal and the Detroit Tigers aren't immune to that trend either. During Skubal's odd start against the Athletics earlier this week, it was another example of a home plate umpire making the situation worse instead of defusing it.
There was a moment early in the game where Skubal took objection to a pitch that Dan Bellino called a ball. It looked like a strike, Skubal thought it was a strike, and it was clear the Tigers' ace was irritated. Bellino took a few steps toward the pitching mound, almost as if he were going to confront Skubal, but AJ Hinch intervened before things escalated.