Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tarik Skubal is set to return to Detroit on Friday, facing his former team for the first time since being traded at the deadline. This marks a significant moment for the pitcher, who has risen to become a two-time Cy Young Award contender.
Skubal's path to superstardom was not without its hurdles, particularly a notable slip in the Major League Baseball draft. Entering his senior year at Seattle University in 2018, Skubal was considered an intriguing prospect by some scouts, including Dave Dangler, a Pacific Northwest area scout for the Tigers. Despite possessing identifiable potential and a high-velocity fastball, his command was inconsistent, a concern that became more apparent early in his comeback season after Tommy John surgery.
One particular game in Seattle, on a snowy night, saw Skubal issue six walks in four innings, prompting grumbling among scouts. Another difficult outing during a tournament in Florida further pushed him down draft boards. His college pitching coach, Elliott Cribby, recalled the start as "not a good outing for him."
Despite these setbacks, Dangler continued to monitor Skubal, noting his improving stuff and competitiveness. By the end of his senior season, Skubal struck out 80 batters in his final 54 innings, demonstrating significant progress. West Coast supervisor Marti Wolever and Skubal's agency, Boras Corporation, also advocated for the left-hander.
Ultimately, the Detroit Tigers selected Skubal in the ninth round of the MLB draft. This selection, viewed as a disappointment at the time, is now seen as a crucial turning point. Cribby noted that landing with the rebuilding Tigers allowed Skubal the development time and opportunity to emerge as a top talent. His father, Russ Skubal, echoed this sentiment, calling it "the perfect mix."
After his MLB debut in 2020 and overcoming another injury in 2022, Skubal has dominated since his return in late 2023, posting the best ERA in the majors. His development included refining his mechanics, adding a signature changeup, and cultivating an intense mound presence.
The trade to the Dodgers earlier this season came after a contentious arbitration battle. Skubal described the move as "the business of baseball," acknowledging that while he enjoyed his time in Detroit, he never received a serious contract extension offer from the Tigers.
Despite the business aspect of the game, Skubal's return is expected to be emotional. He expressed gratitude for his time with the Tigers and the development they provided. The upcoming game will pit him against former teammates, including catcher Jake Rogers and pitcher Casey Mize, who were also part of the deadline trades. "I love all those guys," Skubal said. "I've been competing with them for so long, it'll be new to compete against them."
Skubal has quickly integrated with the Dodgers, with manager Dave Roberts praising his adaptability. However, the return to Detroit carries a unique emotional weight, described by Skubal's father as feeling "almost like a divorce," albeit one that ultimately led to a highly successful partnership for both pitcher and franchise. The game on Friday will require Skubal to channel these emotions as he pitches against the Tigers for the first time in his career.