Skubal defends Dodgers amid criticism over high-profile acquisitions
Pitcher Tarik Skubal said he does not blame the Los Angeles Dodgers for perceived problems in baseball, emphasizing the team's strong organization as he prepares to debut for them.
Tarik Skubal said he does not share the view that the Los Angeles Dodgers are harming baseball, noting that any team could have acquired him. The two-time Cy Young winner was traded from Detroit to Los Angeles in a deal that sent three prospects to the Tigers. Skubal, who returned to form after elbow surgery and posted a 2.03 ERA in five July starts, will make his Dodgers debut on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
"I don't really sympathize with people that blame the Dodgers for anything they've done," Skubal told the California Post. "They've developed a really good organization. They draft well. They acquire talent really well. They retain talent. It's a winning organization."
Dodgers president Andre Friedman also rejected claims that the club's spending hurts the sport, describing such criticism as unfounded. The acquisition adds to a roster that already includes two-time MVP Shohei Ohtani, making the Dodgers the first MLB team to feature a reigning two-time MVP and a reigning two-time Cy Young winner in the same season.
Skubal said he prefers to focus on playing rather than contract talks, adding that he is excited to learn from his new teammates and help the team win games.
"I'm really not gonna talk about the business side of what's happening with me," he said. "I just want the message to be that I'm excited to be here and learn everything about the Dodgers and win as many baseball games as I can."