Tarik Skubal received a mixed reception of cheers and boos in his first start at Comerica Park since being traded from the Detroit Tigers to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The two-time Cy Young Award winner acknowledged a video tribute from his former team but remained composed, delivering six dominant innings in a 2-1 Dodgers victory. Skubal allowed one run on four hits with seven strikeouts on just 83 pitches.

The left-hander struggled initially with his communication device and gave up a leadoff double to Gleyber Torres, but quickly settled in to retire 12 consecutive batters. The Tigers broke through in the fifth inning when Eduardo Valencia doubled and Max Clark followed with a two-out triple for the game's first run. Skubal exited with the game tied 1-1 after a pitching change.

Drafted by Detroit in 2018, Skubal spent seven seasons with the organization before being traded earlier this month for three minor league prospects. He had previously expressed a desire to remain with the Tigers, who haven't won a World Series since 1984. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch noted that familiarity with Skubal didn't translate to success at the plate, as the pitcher looked every bit the ace the Dodgers acquired for their championship push.