Tarik Skubal greeted mostly with cheers and smattering of boos in Detroit return with Dodgers

DETROIT (AP) — Tarik Skubal was met with cheers and some boos upon his return to Detroit as a Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher, after being traded from his former team. As the Dodgers lineup was displayed on the videoboard and Skubal's name was called before the first pitch, most fans at Comerica Park applauded the two-time Cy Young winner, while others jeered him.

The Tigers played a video montage of Skubal's seven-season tenure with the team, followed by a message: "Thank you, Tarik." Skubal remained composed as he walked from the bullpen to the Dodgers dugout, clad in a white towel. Mixed emotions filled the stadium, with a few young fans sporting white Tigers jerseys with "29" and "Skubal" on the back, alongside a blue Dodgers cap.

As Skubal warmed up to face his former team for the first time since the trade, boos were heard before the crowd erupted in cheers. His first pitch was delayed due to a communication device issue, but he later struck out Hao-Yu Lee and All-Star Kevin McGonigle, while All-Star Dillon Dingler hit a fly out. McGonigle noted that seeing Skubal on the opposing side was unusual, while Tigers manager A.J.

Hinch acknowledged that the team's familiarity with Skubal might not make it easier for the opposing batters to hit him. Skubal, drafted by Detroit in 2018, had spent his entire career with the Tigers before the trade, which occurred earlier this month. Skubal expressed a preference to finish the season with the Tigers and compete for a World Series championship, a goal the franchise had not achieved since 1984.

The Tigers opted to trade Skubal before the deadline to acquire minor league prospects rather than risk losing him in free agency.