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Dodgers negotiate for Tigers’ Tarik Skubal as Ohtani limps.

7/30/2026

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Summary

Dodgers Pursue Skubal

Dodgers president Andrew Friedman said they are negotiating with the Detroit Tigers for pitcher Tarik Skubal by Aug. 3.
Interest grew because star Shohei Ohtani lacks a pitching timetable after left-knee and right-biceps injuries and has not pitched since July 3.
Skubal entered his start with a 2.70 ERA, 11.0 K/9 and 1,000 strikeouts—the fastest in Tigers history.
The Tigers sit 51-58, five games back in the AL Central, raising trade odds.

Summary

Ohtani Knee Setback

Shohei Ohtani received an Orthovisc knee injection during the All-Star break, yet soreness remains.
After a 30-pitch bullpen on July 22 in Philadelphia, his right biceps didn’t respond, so the Dodgers canceled the plan.
He said the knee limits his baserunning, resulting in a July OPS of .711, the lowest monthly mark since August 2020.
Andrew Friedman said Ohtani is using medicine-ball plyometrics to keep his arm active.

History

Historical Context

In November 2003 the Red Sox traded Casey Fossum, Brandon Lyon, Jorge de la Rosa and Michael Goss to the Diamondbacks for Curt Schilling, reuniting him with manager Terry Francona. Schilling’s 21-6 record and 21 wins in 2004 powered Boston’s World Series sweep, ending the 86-year drought, and the Dodgers’ 2024 deal for prospect Tarik Skubal illustrates teams seek pitching depth after injuries like Shohei Ohtani’s.

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Dodgers Pursue Skubal

Dodgers president Andrew Friedman said they are negotiating with the Detroit Tigers for pitcher Tarik Skubal by Aug. 3.
Interest grew because star Shohei Ohtani lacks a pitching timetable after left-knee and right-biceps injuries and has not pitched since July 3.
Skubal entered his start with a 2.70 ERA, 11.0 K/9 and 1,000 strikeouts—the fastest in Tigers history.
The Tigers sit 51-58, five games back in the AL Central, raising trade odds.

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