
The Los Angeles Dodgers have certainly been left wanting more through the first two starts with left-hander Tarik Skubal in a Dodgers uniform.
Skubal hasn't necessarily been awful, but he also hasn't been his usual self in his first two starts since being traded from the Detroit Tigers to Los Angeles. Let's take a look at what exactly has gone wrong and changed in Skubal's first two starts with the Dodgers.
Before being traded from Detroit to Los Angeles, Skubal had posted a career BB/9 rate of 2.9 through 150 starts. While he's only made two starts with his new team, the walk rate is certainly something to keep an eye on. Skubal's BB/9 rate has increased from the 1.3 it was with the Tigers this season to 3.3 through two starts and 11 innings with the Dodgers.
That command has also led to fewer strikeouts, as Skubal has collected 12 strikeouts through his first two starts with Los Angeles.
Tarik Skubal in his two starts with the Dodgers
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) August 11, 2026
0-1: Record
4.09: ERA
12-4: K-BB pic.twitter.com/tsH1MwBGsa
Skubal's next start will likely be in the Dodgers' upcoming weekend series against the Milwaukee Brewers, and it'll be a tough one. Milwaukee is second in MLB with 4.13 walks per game, trailing only the Chicago Cubs. Skubal's biggest issue so far is command, and the Brewers are a team that will not expand the zone and take their walks when given.
If his command of the strike zone isn't in a better place by the weekend start, Skubal could be in for a third straight disappointing outing with the Dodgers.
More must-reads:
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!