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Dodgers Trade for Skubal, Then Slip Seven Straight

8/9/2026

45 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired pitcher Tarik Skubal from Detroit.
The Dodgers then lost seven straight games, the longest streak in the Shohei Ohtani era.
Skubal said he would love to play his whole career in Detroit and hopes contract talks resume in November.
The Dodgers plan to retain Skubal as he nears unrestricted free agency.

History

Historical Context

The Red Sox’s 2003 offseason trade for Curt Schilling, paired with hiring manager Terry Francona, set the stage for the 2004 “bloody-sock” Game 6 win on Oct 19 that helped end an 86-year championship drought. The Dodgers’ 2024 acquisition of Tarik Skubal, followed by a seven-game skid, echoes how marquee pitcher moves can swing team momentum.

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Story summary

The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired pitcher Tarik Skubal from Detroit.
The Dodgers then lost seven straight games, the longest streak in the Shohei Ohtani era.
Skubal said he would love to play his whole career in Detroit and hopes contract talks resume in November.
The Dodgers plan to retain Skubal as he nears unrestricted free agency.

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