Tarik Skubal, the left-handed ace who once lit up Comerica Park for the Detroit Tigers, is back on that mound tonight, but he is wearing Dodger blue. This isn’t just another Friday night game; it is the first time Skubal faces his old team since the MLB deadline trade, and he is rolling in with one of Major League Baseball’s best teams, the Los Angeles Dodgers. For Tigers fans, it’s gotta feel like a gut punch seeing their former “one-time ace” on the opposing side, especially with how things have been going lately.
The Homecoming You Never Wanted
Skubal’s return to Comerica is easily the biggest story here. He was a Detroit guy, their “one-time ace,” and now he’s pitching against them for the first time ever since that trade. You know the crowd is gonna have some feelings. Since joining Los Angeles, the 29-year-old has been looking pretty solid, pitching in four games this season. He has put up a 3.38 ERA and a much more impressive 2.67 FIP over 24 innings, giving up 20 hits, including two homers, and seven walks while absolutely racking up 30 strikeouts and hitting a batter. His overall numbers this season, a 8-7 record with a 2.91 ERA, just scream consistency. Facing off against a team that has dropped 10 of its last 12? Yeah, this isn’t gonna be easy for Detroit.
Tigers Need a Spark, But Anderson’s Numbers Are Shaky
The Tigers are in a tough spot, sitting at 62-71 and hosting the 80-64 Dodgers. They’ve lost 10 of their last 12, so they desperately need to turn things around. They’re sending right-hander Drew Anderson to the mound to open this series. He’s making his seventh start of the season, and since moving into that permanent starting role, the 32-year-old has posted a respectable 3.57 ERA. But you gotta look closer; that 5.57 FIP over 17 2/3 innings, allowing 16 hits (four of them dingers!) and six walks while striking out 13, is a bit concerning. While his team is 3-1 in his outings as a starter, he does have a loss to his name. Anderson’s gotta be on his A-game tonight, especially against a powerhouse Dodgers lineup and with Skubal breathing down his neck.
Tonight kicks off a three-game weekend series, and it’s Game 134 for both teams. Can the Tigers find a way to snap their brutal losing streak against a top-tier team and a former fan-favorite? Or will Skubal dominate his old stomping grounds? You know this one’s gonna be emotional, and it’s gonna be must-watch baseball.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bless You Boys.
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