Los Angeles Dodgers ace Tarik Skubal faced his old team, the Detroit Tigers, for the very first time in his MLB career on Friday night. And let me tell you, it was pure emotional wildfire for the two-time reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, who worked hard to keep his feelings in check on the mound. Skubal absolutely dealt, striking out seven batters and allowing only one run across six impressive innings, though he ultimately got a no decision in the Dodgers’ tight 2-1 win at Comerica Park.
The “Special” Reunion
Skubal wasn’t shy about how tough this game was, telling reporters he had an emotional reaction in the tunnel after seeing a tribute video the Tigers played for him. “It’s tough. This is a place I’ve known my entire career, since 2018,” Skubal said, emphasizing that it “was special, for sure.” You just know he had a lump in his throat seeing that highlight reel. He’d spent six and a half seasons rocking the Tigers’ uniform before the Dodgers traded for him earlier this month after extension talks fell through. Talk about a full-circle moment, right? Skubal mentioned how he really felt he “did a good job of keeping baseball, baseball” and focused on competing to give his team a chance. But he admitted, “you kind of saw the emotions early.” Still, he pushed through, showing why he is one of the best. And the fans? He said they were “pretty supportive,” even joking that any potential boos were just folks cheering “Skub.” You’ve got to respect that kind of swagger. He even hinted he hasn’t ruled out a return to Detroit down the road.
The Call That Raises Questions
Despite his stellar outing, pitching into the seventh against your old squad just wasn’t in the cards for Skubal. Manager Dave Roberts pulled him after six innings and 83 pitches, following a long dugout conversation. Think about that: six innings, one run, seven Ks, and only 83 pitches. Skubal clearly wanted to keep going, saying he felt “still in control of the baseball game” when he was pulled. “Of course I did want to go back out there. Some of those decisions aren’t my decisions,” he added. That’s gotta sting, feeling dominant and then getting the hook. Roberts explained that they “got a long road” ahead and that he’d “pushed” Skubal “recently.” Turns out, Skubal had thrown over 100 pitches in each of his last two starts before this one.
Roberts has the tough job of balancing Skubal’s desire to compete with keeping him fresh. The Dodgers have their sights set on a massive goal: trying to three-peat as World Series champions this fall. That means Roberts has to avoid overworking his newest ace. The stakes are sky-high, and every pitch count, every innings limit, becomes a strategic gamble. What’s next for Skubal? He’ll be back on the mound, ready to dominate, but you know he’ll be thinking about this one.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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