Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal will make just one start for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, balancing his WBC commitment with preparing for the MLB season. The two-time defending AL Cy Young Award winner told reporters at spring training that he's grateful for the arrangement.

Skubal, who will earn $32 million this season after winning his arbitration case, hinted his lone start will come during pool play in Houston. Team USA faces Brazil, Great Britain, Mexico and Italy in the opening round. If the U.S. advances to the finals in Miami, Skubal said he'd lobby to rejoin as a spectator rather than pitcher.

The Americans boast a deep pitching staff including Paul Skenes, Joe Ryan, Matthew Boyd, Logan Webb, Clay Holmes and Nolan McLean. Skubal went 13-6 with a 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts in 195⅓ innings last season as the Tigers reached the postseason for the second consecutive year. Detroit opens the regular season against the San Diego Padres on March 26.