Skubal's Dugout Confrontation

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch suggested the in-game tension was partly about the timing and setting, saying: “Obviously, there was some chirping going on… The competition comes out as the weather warms up.”

Skubal’s outing included a few more rough edges than his reputation might suggest: he allowed 3 runs on 7 hits (including two home runs) in 5 2/3 innings, and after the win said, “we need to play better baseball or else.”

White Sox reliever Mike Vasil has become a recognizable part of Chicago’s on-field culture, with reports noting he has used a “magic” routine—waving a magic wand and wearing a wizard hat—as part of the team’s “magical” run.

Vasil described the confrontation as escalation from his perspective: “I was up there on the top step and helping the team out, cheering them on. Next thing I know, I’m getting reamed out,” adding that the exchange included “pretty choice words” and was “good stuff.”