Tarik Skubal said on September 14, 2026, that his improvement has come from overcoming overthinking and attacking hitters more directly.
Skubal said his struggles were primarily caused by thinking too much, focusing excessively on pitch selection and trying to be too precise. “a lot of the struggle has kind of been me versus me,” he said, adding that he is not going to dwell too much on the past.
He noted that he wants to challenge hitters instead of trying to make every pitch perfect. His plan is to attack hitters over the middle of the plate and let his stuff play, especially early in games.
Skubal stated that he pitched efficiently into the seventh inning with fewer than 100 pitches and felt good enough to return for the eighth. He also said he shook off one pitch during the game.
Skubal explained that he is building communication and relationships with the Dodgers' catchers and pitching department, describing them as constantly learning each other and developing those relationships. He trusted Will to call every pitch and talked with Doc about the approach.
The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched a postseason berth, and Skubal said the team marked it with a little toast before moving on to its remaining goals.