Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Tarik Skubal is only a few weeks into his time with the Dodgers after spending years with the Detroit Tigers, but he will now make an emotional return.
At the trade deadline, it was unclear if the Tigers would deal the face of their franchise and the leader over the past years.
However, once the team fell to the fringe of the wild card race and faced losing him for nothing in free agency, it quickly dealt him to the team with the best package: the Dodgers.
Skubal made it clear that he wanted to stay and ride out the current season with his long-time before exploring free agency, but the organization made the best decision for the future of their franchise.
Now, less than a month later, Skubal is wearing Dodger blue and heading back to Detroit for what should be something of an awkward reunion.
Tigers players on facing Skubal and the Dodgers
For the Tigers players, it will be an interesting dynamic, but one of them hopes to send a message to their former ace about what he is missing.
“I’m sure he’ll be chirping, for sure,” Tigers infielder Colt Keith said. “I’m sure he’ll be laughing and doing whatever, but hopefully we put five or six (runs) up on him, and he won’t be laughing then.”
Another Tiger, Spencer Torkelson, said it was not going to be easy to face Skubal despite being familiar with him.
“I think we know him really well, but it doesn’t mean we know what he’s gonna throw every single time he’s gonna throw it,” Torkelson said.
“I think we still have to have solid plans at the plate and kind of know the way he’s gonna attack us. It’s just like any tough pitcher, just gotta grind him out. I obviously love him; we’re great friends. But in between the lines, we’re trying to beat each other.”
The Dodgers have a perpetual target on their back as the reigning, defending champions, perceived as the “Evil Empire.”
They will get the Tigers’ best after taking their best player, but it will be a familiar feeling for LA.
