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

DETROIT (AP) — Tarik Skubal was met with cheers and a few boos as he made his return to Detroit, where he once pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The former Dodgers ace was traded to the two-time defending World Series champions. During his video tribute before the game, the Tigers appreciated Skubal's seven-year tenure with the team.

The crowd showed mixed emotions, with some fans standing as Skubal was escorted from the bullpen to the Dodgers' dugout, wearing a white towel around his neck. Despite the boos, Skubal appeared focused as he took the mound for his first pitch as a visitor. The crowd roared when his second pitch to Gleyber Torres resulted in a double.

Skubal went on to strike out Hao-Yu Lee and All-Star Kevin McGonigle, with Dillon Dingler providing an out for the Dodgers. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch acknowledged that the team's familiarity with Skubal might not be advantageous at the plate, stating, "If anybody knows him, it's us." Skubal had expressed his preference to finish the season with Detroit, aiming to compete for the elusive World Series title, which the franchise has not won since 1984.

However, the Tigers opted to trade him before the deadline, acquiring three minor league prospects instead of potentially losing him in free agency.