Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Tarik Skubal started to live up to lofty expectations before his most recent outing, which was a welcomed sight for the left-hander as he felt like as though had not pitched to his potential since being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Before Skubal allowed four runs in a loss to the San Francisco Giants last Saturday, he had a 1.73 ERA in 26 innings over four starts.
“I think just getting on the same page with everybody here — catching department, pitching department. Constantly learning each other and developing those relationships. A lot of that stuff you don’t realize,” Skubal recently explained. “No one writes about that kind of relationship, but I think it matters. It matters a lot.
“I probably underestimated that a little bit, but just communicating, having open dialogue with all these guys on what I like to do, what I’m comfortable with. And honestly, some things I’m uncomfortable with, working on those things because it’s going to be important.
“It’s not all about just being comfortable out there. You’ve got to be a little uncomfortable, make some pitches that may not be your strength but it could be the hitter’s weakness in that count and moment. I think we’re developing a really good relationship and rhythm.”
Skubal added that leaning into his strengths and having the right mentality have been key as well.
“I think just getting in rhythm. I talked with Doc about this, a lot of the struggle has kind of been me versus me,” he said. “Thinking too much out there, not competing the way I know how to compete, just thinking too much about pitch selection for whatever reason, trying to be too fine at times and not just challenging guys.
“It’s hard to hit in this league. When you have the stuff that I have, sometimes I try to be too perfect with things instead of just attacking guys over the middle of the plate and kind of letting my stuff play; especially early in games, behind in the count.
“More time than not they’re going to get themselves out. So yeah, it’s been a little me versus me, and trying to find the rhythm of who I know I am.”
Skubal now is 4-2 with a 2.95 ERA over nine starts for the Dodgers. His outing against the Giants could be explained in some part by going on the bereavement list the following day. The reigning two-time American League Cy Young Award winner has since returned and is scheduled for a final start in the regular season on Saturady.
Tarik Skubal’s reaction to Dodgers clinching
The Dodgers clinched a spot in the 2026 MLB postseason behind Skubal’s dominant start against the Cincinnati Reds last week.
Skubal is now heading back to the playoffs for the third time in his career. But unlike when he advanced to the postseason with the Detroit Tigers and took part in a team-wide celebration, the Dodgers downplayed the accomplishment and kept their focus on the bigger picture.
Skubal described it as a different feeling from anything he had experienced in his career but he understood the bigger celebration was coming once the National League West title was clinched.
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