Tarik Skubal has recorded a 2.61 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 62 innings over 10 starts since joining the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has collected 70 strikeouts with 13 walks.

Before the trade, Skubal produced a 2.79 ERA and 0.91 WHIP with 116 strikeouts and 14 walks in 96.2 innings across 16 starts for the Detroit Tigers this season.

Skubal completed his regular season with an outstanding performance Friday evening. He pitched seven scoreless innings in the Dodgers’ 2-0 road victory over the San Francisco Giants, surrendering three hits with 10 strikeouts and no walks.

The left-hander needed only 75 pitches to complete those seven innings while generating 21 swings and misses.

Skubal believed he performed well but still identified several areas requiring improvement for the postseason.

According to The Orange County Register, Skubal acknowledged that his numbers with Los Angeles have been strong and described Friday as a particularly productive outing. However, he also recognized that some of his previous performances had fallen below his expectations.

His walk total stood out as a concern. Skubal wondered whether he had subconsciously become too timid rather than attacking hitters with his usual conviction.

He issued two walks during his previous start and believed he had issued at least one in each of his last five or six outings.

Skubal believes his pitches are too effective to give hitters free passes. He wants opponents to earn their way on base while trusting the eight defenders positioned behind him.

The left-hander remains unsatisfied with everything he has accomplished and continues searching for improvement.

“Those numbers are great. I think there’s just some things where I could be better,” Skubal said.

“[Friday] was a really good day, but I’ve also had some kind of poor performances. Especially the walk number to me kind of stands out," Skubal continued. "That might be showing me that I’m a little timid subconsciously. I’m not attacking the way I know how to attack. I had two last game. I feel like the last five or six starts I’ve had a walk in every single game."

Manager Dave Roberts offered significant praise for the reigning two-time Cy Young Award winner. Roberts considered it Skubal’s best performance with the Dodgers and believed the pitcher took the mound with a clear sense of purpose.

“My stuff’s too good to give a guy a free pass," Skubal said. "Let him earn it. … I’ve got eight guys behind me, too. So let them earn their way on instead of giving a free pass. There’s always room for improvement. I’m not really satisfied with anything I’ve accomplished so far.”

Everything worked for Skubal as he attacked San Francisco’s hitters, filled the strike zone and controlled the game.

“That was the best we’ve seen,” Roberts said.

“He was on a mission tonight. You could see it. Everything was working. He just went after those guys and did a fantastic job. Pounded the zone. Everything was working tonight.”

His impressive results are encouraging for Los Angeles, but his postgame assessment may carry even greater significance. Skubal understands that he can still reach another level as he prepares for his first postseason run with the Dodgers.

Skubal’s brings confidence, accountability and refusal to become comfortable with success. He evaluates his performances honestly, identifying weaknesses even after dominant outings.

That mentality separates elite pitchers from those satisfied by favorable results. Skubal trusts his pitches enough to challenge hitters and understands the importance of allowing his defense to contribute.

His aggressive approach can dictate an at-bat before the hitter becomes comfortable. Skubal combines overpowering ability with the discipline to recognize when his execution needs refinement.

If he reaches another level during the postseason, Los Angeles’ blockbuster trade deadline acquisition will appear even more valuable as opposing hitters continue struggling against him.

A strong October would also strengthen Skubal’s position as he approaches free agency.