Skubal a big fan of Fenway Park

At 6-feet-3-inches and 240 kilos, Tarik Skubal It would not appear like somebody who would discover consolation in Fenway Park. But the Tigers ace and back-to-back Cy Young Award winner loves each cramped nook of baseball’s oldest ballpark.

Skubal vividly recollects his first go to to Fenway with the Tigers in 2021. The lefthander jumped on the primary bus from the crew resort and was captivated upon his arrival.

“It was awesome,” mentioned Skubal. “I changed as quickly as I could to sit outside and just looked at it — tried to fit in the seats you can’t fit in. … The tunnel [from the visitor’s clubhouse to the field]when you walk down that tunnel, it feels old, and you get a nostalgic feeling. You weren’t even a part of [that history]but you feel like you’re a part of it. A ton of the game’s greats have played on this field. It’s always fun to be able to share that history.”

Skubal (2-2, 2.22 ERA in 4 begins this yr) did not pitch on that journey, and has taken the mound at Fenway simply twice in his big league profession, most just lately in 2023 — the yr earlier than he gained his first Cy Young. He’s 0-2 whereas permitting 11 runs (10 earned) in 10 innings at Fenway. That would not dampen his enthusiasm for the prospect to pitch in Boston on Saturday.

“I’m going to enjoy my outing tomorrow, just being able to be a part of history and pitch here,” mentioned Skubal.

His enthusiasm for the ballpark he is recognized as his favourite comes with a curiosity. Skubal is a free agent at yr’s finish. Is he utilizing visits to Boston and different cities this yr to contemplate future touchdown spots?

“I won’t really think about next year until this year’s over,” Skubal mentioned. “Hopefully we’re in the playoffs making a deep run. Hopefully we’re winning the World Series and I’m partying my [tail] off for a week or two weeks after the season, and then I can make those decisions.”

So, no, the lefthander won’t spend Saturday afternoon imagining how he’d look in Red Sox home whites — or, during Marathon weekend, home yellows. He will relish the electricity of the setting, but his focus will be elsewhere.

“I’m just trying to win,” said Skubal. “That’s what really matters at the end.”

Manager Alex Cora reconfigured the lineup on Friday. While Roman Anthony remained anchored in the leadoff spot, Cora bumped Wilson Contreras — back in the lineup after sitting Wednesday with back stiffness — up to the No. 2 spot, with Wilyer Abreu hitting third and Trevor Story cleanup.

That grouping put the Sox’ two OPS leaders — Contreras (.935) and Abreu (.941) — further up in the lineup, while giving Story (.338/.367/.551 with runners in scoring position since last May 30) a chance to hit with baserunners.

“Let’s put them all together and keep rolling,” said Cora. “Why not?”

Catcher Carlos Narvaez was out of the lineup for the second straight game, a reflection of his offensive funk. He’s hitting .195/.214/.195 with no extra-base hits, 14 strikeouts, and one walk. “He’s struggling,” Cora said. “Right now, there’s a lot of thinking that’s going on.”

Cora mentioned Justin Slaten (proper indirect pressure) would possibly begin throwing this weekend for the primary time since touchdown on the injured record on April 8. … Kutter Crawfordwho experienced forearm discomfort following his rehab outing last Saturday, may get an MRI. … Romy Gonzalezon the 60-day IL while recovering from left shoulder surgery, has started taking ground balls. He’s relieved to be pain-free at the earliest stage of baseball activities.

“It’s really refreshing to wake up and not have a stiff shoulder and that achy pain,” Gonzalez said. “I haven’t got a timeline, however I might like to be able to go mid-May. That’s my private goal. I believe it is possible.” …Mike Reganpart of the Red Sox front office since 2010, had his last official day with the team on Friday. Regan, a West Roxbury native who captained Trinity College’s Division 3 national championship team in 2008, is leaving to pursue a career opportunity outside of baseball.

Alex Speier could be reached at alex.speier@globe.com. observe him @alexspeier.