Tarik Skubal is slated to start for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Detroit on Friday night, marking his first appearance at Comerica Park since being traded to the Dodgers last month. The game will be the series opener against his former team, the Detroit Tigers.
Skubal, who became a prominent figure for the Tigers over his seven-year tenure, was a ninth-round draft pick who developed into a two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner. His departure to the Dodgers in a blockbuster trade involving three prospects was anticipated as the trade deadline approached.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his expectations for Skubal's reunion with his former team. "I think it’ll be a lot of gratitude," Roberts said. "A lot of people cheering him on."
Skubal was a fan favorite in Detroit, as evidenced by the significant ovation he received during his final home start for the Tigers on July 29, just three days before the trade.
This upcoming start will be Skubal's fifth since joining the Dodgers. His record with the team is 1-2 with a 3.38 earned run average. He is coming off his strongest performance since the trade, which occurred last Saturday. In that game, he allowed three runs in the first inning but then proceeded to pitch six scoreless innings, striking out 11 batters.
"He did a lot of good things for the city of Detroit," Roberts added, with a smile. "But I hope they do the festivities the night after we win on Friday."