Dodgers reportedly intensify pursuit of Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal as Ohtani's injury lingers
MLB Network and ESPN reports say Los Angeles is increasing interest in Detroit ace Tarik Skubal amid uncertainty over Shohei Ohtani's ability to pitch.
Los Angeles Dodgers officials are said to be sharpening their focus on Detroit Tigers right-hander Tarik Skubal as the team approaches the July 31 trade deadline, according to MLB Network analyst Jon Morosi. The interest, Morosi reported, has grown because of lingering doubts about Shohei Ohtani's availability to pitch following a biceps injury.
Ohtani, who also deals with a left-knee issue, missed his first start after the All-Star break on July 22 and has limited his recent work to brief bullpen sessions. He told reporters through an interpreter that his knee is improving but the biceps problem persists, adding that the timing of the season influences how the situation is handled.
ESPN reporter Alden Gonzalez noted that rival executives continue to view the Dodgers as the leading candidate to acquire Skubal, who is in the final year of his contract and recently became the fastest pitcher to reach 1,000 career strikeouts. Skubal, a back-to-back AL Cy Young Award winner, remains a top pitcher on the market.
If the Dodgers succeed in adding Skubal, it would significantly strengthen their roster ahead of the postseason.