# Why Skubal Stands Out

> Tarik Skubal's pitching dominance comes from five key strengths.
- Title: Why Skubal Stands Out · Mlb | Shortify
- Summary: Tarik Skubal's pitching dominance comes from five key strengths. Tarik Skubal's elite pitching is defined by his nasty stuff, pitch synergy, velocity…
- Keywords: tarik skubal, pitching, cy young, mlb, free agent, strikeout, walk rate, fastball velocity, changeup, seam shift
- Source: Mlb — https://mlb.com/news/what-makes-tarik-skubal-so-dominant
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: tarik skubal, pitching, cy young, mlb, free agent, strikeout, walk rate, fastball velocity, changeup, seam shift, sports
## Skubal's return to form
Skubal returned to the Majors after Tommy John surgery on July 4, 2023.
## Elite pitching stats
Skubal leads MLB with a 2.47 ERA, 2.70 xERA, and 2.42 FIP.
## Dominant strikeout rate
Skubal has the best strikeout-minus-walk rate at 26.7% in three-and-a-half seasons.
## Nasty pitch arsenal
Skubal's Stuff+ grade of 117 ranks among the best in MLB history.
## Pitch synergy
Skubal's pitches complement each other to create deception for hitters.
## Seam-shifted changeup
Skubal's changeup mimics his sinker but moves differently to confuse hitters.
## Lefty velocity dominance
Skubal threw the six fastest pitches by a left-handed starter in MLB history.
## Changeup strategy
Skubal uses changeups 19.4% against lefties, a high rate for same-sided pitches.
## High strike rate
Skubal has a 4.4% walk rate, the second best among starting pitchers.
## Key takeaway

Tarik Skubal's elite pitching is defined by his nasty stuff, pitch synergy, velocity, strategic changeup use, and high strike rates.