The Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves are preparing for what should be a close matchup in the American League Divisional series with the Dodgers holding home-field advantage. Former Tigers and current Dodgers star Tarik Skubal has built close friendships in LA and fans have wondered whether he might start Game 1.
ESPN baseball reporter Alden Gonzalez shared news on Skubal ahead of Game 1 at Dodgers Stadium and it's an exciting one for Skubal fans.
“Tarik Skubal will get the ball in Game 1 on Saturday, in what is expected to be a really hot afternoon in Los Angeles, according to a source. The Dodgers are still planning what will happen thereafter, though Yoshinobu Yamamoto seems logical,” Gonzalez wrote.
The Dodgers have a chance to win three World Series in a row, a blessing not lost on star outfielder Mookie Betts. A 100-62 regular season has fans expecting another deep playoff run, which brings a certain type of pressure Skubal isn't quite used to from his days in Detroit.
Article Continues BelowSkubal has shined brightly in the playoffs, compiling a 2-1 record with a 2.04 ERA and 56 strikeouts during his time in Motown. Skubal didn't receive a whole lot of run support during his time with the Tigers, something he is expected to get a whole lot more of from the Dodgers including Shohei Ohtani, who got a crucial injury update.
The Dodgers have a bright playoff future ahead of them yet again, and Skubal is the icing on top of the cake. Manager Dave Roberts knows how to put his team in position to win, and it looks like he's done a great job of that ahead of Game 1.

