Skubal done in WBC after emotional start

HOUSTON — Tarik Skubal will not pitch again in the World Baseball Classic, according to U.S. manager Mark DeRosa.DeRosa made the announcement before Monday's game against Mexico and after the reigning two-time AL Cy Young Award winner had expressed second thoughts about ending his tournament participation following one outing."We were always under the assumption that he was going to leave after pool play," DeRosa said. "I know that kind of got clouded a little bit because getting on the mound in the USA jersey, being in the room with these guys, is special. But he's going to leave after tonight and go back to Lakeland and be at Tigers camp."Last month, Skubal said he intended to make only one WBC start regardless of how far the U.S. advanced because he wanted to remain on a regular spring training regimen and ramp up for opening day while mostly with Detroit.His feelings changed after starting against Britain on Saturday."I didn't expect these types of emotions to run through my brain or my thoughts to differ," Skubal told reporters Saturday. "I was pretty committed to making a start and getting back to camp. Things have changed, obviously. That's why I'm going to have some conversations and try to figure out a plan for me. But yeah, I don't know either way."DeRosa understands Skubal's decision and was thrilled to have him even for one start."I know what's at stake for him," DeRosa said. I'm over the moon he decided to show in the first place for us — I really am — and take the ball for us. I think it meant a lot to a lot of guys in that room. We know where his heart is. If he was in a different situation, he wouldn't be leaving."Skubal is eligible to become a free agent after this season and is expected to secure a nine-figure contract.Skubal gave up a home run to Nate Eaton on his first pitch Saturday, but allowed just one single after that while striking out five in three innings of a 9-1 victory. DR's Tatis hits grand slam MIAMI — Fernando Tatis hit a grand slam and drove in six runs, and the Dominican Republic clinched a spot in the WBC quarterfinals with a 10-1 win over Israel on Monday.Tatis homered in the second inning on a 78.5 miles per hour changeup off loser Ryan Prager, standing at home plate and admiring his no-doubt drive over the left-field wall, then added a two-run single in the seventh. Geraldo Perdomo had put the Dominicans ahead with a bases-loaded walk.Tatis' six RBI tied Adrian Gonzalez in 2009 for second-most in a WBC game, one behind Ken Griffey Jr.'s record in 2006.The Dominicans (3-0) lead Group D over Venezuela (2-0), which also clinched a quarterfinal berth.