Tarik Skubal gets nod for 1st career home playoff start as Dodgers open NLDS against Braves

Los Angeles Dodgers ace Tarik Skubal is set to make his first-ever home playoff start as the team takes on the Atlanta Braves in the National League Division Series opener on Saturday. The 29-year-old lefty will be pitching in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, a stark contrast to the boos he typically receives when taking the mound on the road.

Skubal expressed his excitement about the opportunity to play in front of fans and to hear their cheers. He was selected ahead of 2025 World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, with Manager Dave Roberts informing Skubal of the decision after his final regular season game in San Francisco. Skubal, who joined the Dodgers from the Detroit Tigers in August, is earning a substantial $32 million this season and will become an unrestricted free agent after the postseason.

Despite the Dodgers' large payroll and talented roster, Skubal is focused on contributing to the team's championship aspirations.