Tarik Skubal is heading back to Detroit this Friday night to pitch against the Tigers, a mere four weeks after he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He knows it’s going to hit him right in the feels, admitting the whole process was emotional and that he hopes to keep his head straight, focused on repping the Dodgers instead of getting lost in all those Comerica Park memories.
“The Whole Process Was Emotional”
Yeah, Skubal himself said it. “The whole process was emotional,” he admitted to SI.com on Wednesday. “We’ll see, right?” he added about keeping his feelings locked down. He’s got “a lot of respect for those guys over there,” and his goal is simple: “I’m just going to go play baseball.” But simple ain’t always easy. This 29-year-old lefty made his big league debut with Detroit in 2020, playing for no other team before that August 1 trade. It’s a lightning-fast return, barely a month to adjust to a new city and uniform before facing all that history. His overall numbers this season are 8-7 with a 2.91 ERA, but since landing with the Dodgers, he’s 1-2 with a 3.38 ERA across four starts. The good news? He’s coming off his first win for the Dodgers, after carving up Pittsburgh with 11 strikeouts over seven innings in a 4-3 win last Saturday night. That’s a serious momentum builder, but Detroit is a different beast entirely.
Roberts Knows Skubal Is “All In”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts isn’t too worried about Skubal getting lost in his head, a big vote of confidence. Roberts believes Skubal has the right temperament for this emotional homecoming. He pointed to the “be where your feet are” adage, saying “that’s just who he is.” Roberts added, “Some people have a hard time letting go, but I think that Tarik is a guy that, wherever he’s at, he’s all in.” That’s a huge trait. The manager expects Skubal to “engage guys and immerse himself with coaches, with his teammates, the best he can,” calling it “a good trait.” Roberts admitted, “I’m really, really fortunate we got him on our club. Not even just for the pitching, just beyond.” This trade sent a two-time defending AL Cy Young winner from the Tigers to the two-time defending World Series champions. It’s a massive shift, and Skubal’s had less than a month to get settled. He confirmed, “I’m sure it will be emotional there just because of the history.” The emotions are gonna be fresh, that’s for sure.
It’s Time To Compete
Skubal is clear about his focus: “But at the end of the day, I’ve got to go play baseball. I’ve got to compete and do what I do well, what makes me a good pitcher. I’ll probably handle the emotions after.” This Friday night isn’t just a game, it’s the opener of a three-game series. He’s slated to face Tigers right-hander Drew Anderson, who holds a 4-5 record with a 4.09 ERA. How Skubal handles the raw emotion, the familiar faces, and the crowd will set the tone not just for his performance but for the entire series. Can he compartmentalize and deliver for his new squad? We’re about to find out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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