Tarik Skubal said on October 3, 2026, that he was honored and excited to be trusted with starting Game 1 for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Skubal said the Dodgers informed him of the assignment when he came out of a game in San Francisco at a low pitch count. He also noted that Los Angeles had been his home for only a short time since he arrived at the trade deadline.
To prepare, Skubal stated that he used the seven days off for two side sessions instead of his usual one bullpen. He added, "I feel ready to go. I feel strong, healthy in shape."
Skubal explained that his preparation and execution would remain the same despite the larger postseason stage because "the game of baseball doesn't change." He said he wants to "put our team in a position to win" and is excited to start doing that in October.
Skubal mentioned that approximately 50,000 fans attended his first start at the Dodgers' home venue, according to his estimate, and said, "they've embraced me with everything," including an ovation despite his not pitching especially well. The Dodgers have trusted Skubal, informed him of the Game 1 assignment, and he said he fits into the winning culture of Los Angeles. He also said the Dodgers had won back-to-back championships.
Skubal acknowledged that both teams would face triple-digit heat and joked that fans should drink plenty of water because "you're probably sweating it out." His specific next step is to take the ball for Game 1 and try to put the Dodgers in position to win.