Tarik Skubal refuses to settle for mediocre starts, demanding elite efficiency and deeper outings as he aims to anchor the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation for October.
When the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers in the biggest blockbuster trade before the deadline, the move sent shockwaves throughout MLB.
The Dodgers were already positioned to contend for their third consecutive World Series without Skubal. Adding the best available pitcher on the trade market appeared to tilt the odds even further in their favor.
Skubal has not been at his best with Dodgers
However, Skubal does not believe Dodgers fans have seen the best version of him yet.
His first three starts with Los Angeles support the idea that there is another level for him to reach.
Skubal allowed two earned runs on two hits (one home run) in six innings in his Dodgers debut, taking the loss against the Chicago Cubs on Aug. 4.
He followed that by giving three earned runs on four hits (one home run) in five innings and receiving a no-decision at home against the Kansas City Royals on Aug. 10.
On Sunday, Skubal allowed two runs (one earned) on seven hits in six innings in a 6-2 loss against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Those performances have hardly been poor, but Skubal holds himself to significantly higher standards, particularly after joining a legitimate World Series contender.
According to SportsNet LA, Skubal expressed frustration with completing only five innings in one start and six in the others. He does not consider those workloads acceptable compared with what he believes he is capable of providing at the MLB level.
“My last outing was five (innings), the one before that was six; that’s just not acceptable, it’s not the standard of what I think I’m capable of in this league,” Skubal said.
Pitching efficiency has been one of his recent challenges.
Skubal required 109 pitches, including 77 strikes, to complete six innings Sunday. Although he was far from ineffective against Milwaukee, the elevated pitch count prevented him from working deeper into the game.
Skubal’s mindset
As the reigning two-time American League Cy Young Award winner, Skubal understands what his best looks like and believes there is another level he can reach with Los Angeles.
His demanding personal standards are part of what makes him such a valuable addition.
Skubal is not evaluating himself solely by how many runs he allows. He wants to control games, work deep into starts and reduce the burden placed on the bullpen. That mentality is especially valuable for a Dodgers team built around playing meaningful games in October.
His ability to recognize areas requiring improvement despite producing competitive outings also reflects the mindset of an established ace. Rather than becoming satisfied because the results have been respectable, Skubal continues looking for ways to sharpen his execution and efficiency.
The left-hander also possesses the temperament necessary to handle the expectations accompanying his move to Los Angeles.
Joining a World Series contender through the biggest trade of the deadline immediately created enormous pressure, but Skubal’s focus remains on his own execution.
Adjusting to a new organization, catchers, coaches and routines can take time even for an accomplished pitcher.
Skubal has not been his dominant best yet, but he has still kept the Dodgers competitive in each start. If greater efficiency follows as he becomes more comfortable, Los Angeles could soon see the version of Skubal it acquired to help pursue another World Series.
