Skubal to face former Tigers in Friday series opener at Comerica Park
The left-hander’s first return to Detroit since the trade deadline will test his adaptation to Los Angeles, following a controversial deal that saw the Tigers receive only minor league assets.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has confirmed that left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal will start on Friday, marking his first appearance at Comerica Park since joining the Dodgers. The start serves as the series opener for a three-game contest against the Detroit Tigers, the team that acquired him ahead of the 2026 MLB trade deadline.
The trade, which sent Skubal to Los Angeles, was met with criticism on social media for the perceived low return received by Detroit. In exchange for the marquee pitcher, the Tigers acquired minor league players Zyhir Hope, River Ryan, and Brady Smith. The move was driven by the fact that Skubal was approaching free agency without a contract extension, prompting Detroit to trade him rather than risk losing him without compensation.
Skubal is currently under contract only for the remainder of the 2026 season. He will hit free agency this offseason unless he signs a blockbuster extension with the Dodgers. At the time of the trade, the pitcher had a 7-5 record with a 2.79 ERA for Detroit, having struck out 116 batters in 96 two-thirds innings.
Since joining Los Angeles, Skubal has made four appearances with a 1-2 record and a 3.38 ERA. His performance has shown some volatility, as he allowed nine earned runs in 24 innings, a figure that exceeds his total for the entire month of July with the Tigers. However, his strikeout numbers have rebounded recently, including an 11-strikeout performance against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Friday start is particularly notable as it coincides with the potential return of Shohei Ohtani to the mound during the same series. Ohtani’s participation is contingent on a scheduled Friday bullpen session, which will assess his readiness following a layoff that kept him from pitching since July 3.
For Skubal, the game represents a complex mix of gratitude towards Detroit fans and a desire to demonstrate his value. Having won back-to-back American League Cy Young Awards before the trade, his performance in Los Angeles will be closely scrutinised by both new and former supporters.
