Wrigley Field showered Los Angeles Dodgers starter Tarik Skubal with boos in his debut Tuesday, but the left-hander couldn’t have enjoyed it more.
The Dodgers traded for Skubal a few days prior to Monday’s trade deadline, sending Top 100 prospects River Ryan and Zyhir Hope the other way, alongside 21-year-old Brady Smith.
The jeers began before the game even started, reaching their apex as he made his way to the mound for the first time as a Dodger in the bottom of the first inning. Despite the hostile environment, though, Skubal only had positive things to say about his surroundings.
“It’s a ton of fun to play in front of crowds like that,” Skubal said. “Even if they’re booing me or whatever it is, I think that’s what makes the game of baseball really fun, the competition really fun, and the atmosphere is really fun.”
“…I’m sure that’s not going to be the only rowdy atmosphere on the road. I plan on pitching in front of those atmospheres for the rest of the season, and then obviously, when it comes postseason time, I’ll be ready to go.”
Skubal had a strong outing in his first game in a Dodgers jersey, allowing two runs through six innings pitched while striking out six batters. Unfortunately, the Dodgers’ offense couldn’t back him up, as they lost, 5-1. The loss marked LA’s fifth in a row, which sets a new season-high.
Even still, Skubal showed plenty of what Dodger fans expected when news broke of his move to Los Angeles on Saturday, and he’s sure to be an invaluable asset to the team for the remainder of the season.
How Did Skubal’s Debut Unfold?
Skubal introduced himself to the Dodgers with a perfect first inning, striking out MVP hopeful and notorious Dodgers hater Pete Crow-Armstrong looking with a sinker just shy of 100 mph. He also retired the following two batters to get of his first frame in Dodger blue unscathed.
The second inning went without issue as well, as he logged two more punchouts to bring his total on the evening to three.
Skubal showed his first signs of mortality in the bottom of the third inning, when Dansby Swanson took him deep to level the score at one on the first pitch of his first at-bat. Skubal allowed a single and a walk later in the inning, but limited the damage to one run.
The Cubs didn’t have a baserunner in either of the following two innings, but got to Skubal once more in the sixth inning. A walk and a double put two runners in scoring position with just one out, and a chopper to the right of second base scored the hosts’ second run of the game.
LA’s offense didn’t provide Skubal any support during his start, and he earned a loss despite logging a quality start.
What did you make of Tarik Skubal’s first start as a Dodger on Tuesday?
