The Tarik Skubal Sweepstakes is underway. 

Word unofficially came down midmorning Friday that Skubal is on the block with the news that Detroit had scratched a healthy Casey Mize from his start — a clear signal that the beleaguered Tigers, 51-58 entering play, are in full sell mode. 

Teams that questioned whether the Tigers would throw in the towel while still within 4 ½ games of a playoff spot in the weakest American League in years understood the surprise scratch meant Detroit was open for business. And so, talks about MLB’s best pitcher finally commenced. 

The next question: Where will Skubal be going?