Tarik Skubal Weighs In on Dodgers Debut After Blockbuster Trade From Tigers at 2026 MLB Deadline

Tarik Skubal's debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers didn't end with a victory, but his performance even with less-than-perfect stuff is one of many reasons they are heavily favored to win a third consecutive World Series.

After Tuesday's 5-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs, Skubal was pleased with how his outing went despite the final result.

"I think my stuff was plenty good," Skubal told reporters. "I felt like I commanded everything really well. When I was missing, I was missing in the areas that I was trying to go."

Skubal allowed two runs on four hits with six strikeouts and one walk in six innings. He threw just 85 pitches, tied for his second-fewest in a start since returning from elbow surgery on June 13. His 51 strikes were his fewest since Opening Day on March 26 when he only threw 74 pitches.

Making his first career start at Wrigley Field, Skubal praised the Chicago crowd for their enthusiasm even though he was being booed as a visiting player.

"The Cubs' fanbase is awesome, It's a ton of fun to play in front of. And whether they're rooting against you or for you, I love the fans. ... I haven't actually made a home start in the postseason. They've all been on the road. So I've pitched in pretty good environments, and I'd say that's up there with any of those postseason starts."

Amid all the fervor over Skubal's debut, the Dodgers find themselves facing as much adversity as they have all season. Which is to say, a lot by their standards, but not much by normal team standards.

Tuesday's loss was the Dodgers' fifth straight defeat, their longest streak of the season. They have fallen 1.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the NL's best record.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed after the game that Dalton Rushing might not catch the rest of the regular season due to a slight UCL tear in his right elbow.

The injuries are starting to pile up for the Dodgers, making their acquisition of Skubal feel more necessary than just a pure luxury. His first appearance for them wasn't a stellar outing, but the most important thing is he stays healthy going into October.