Tarik Skubal details roller coaster of emotions in first comments since Dodgers blockbuster trade

For at least a little while Saturday night, Tarik Skubal said he was unaware of the news.As his Tigers played out an 8-6 win over the A’s at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, Skubal was in the visiting dugout of the Triple-A park, evidently oblivious of the shockwaves reverberating through the sport.During the game, the two-time Cy Young Award winner was traded to the Dodgers in a blockbuster deal.But only after he returned to the detached clubhouse beyond the center field wall, he said in an interview afterward, did he learn he was joining the two-time defending World Series champions.“The walk to the clubhouse was very normal,” Skubal said, in a press availability broadcast by Detroit SportsNet.“[Then] I got a phone call.

I was like, ‘I know what this is.’”Thus, Skubal learned he’d be leaving the only team he has ever played for –– the one that took a chance on his late-blooming talent in the 2017 draft, nurtured his rise to superstar status over seven MLB seasons and watched him carry the club to back-to-back trips to the postseason the last two years –– and joining one that has already cemented dynasty status.In the wake of such whiplash, the 29-year-old was conflicted.Even after weeks (and, really, months going back to the offseason) of trade rumors, his emotions were raw and fresh.“It’s crazy,” Skubal said.“Going into the season, this isn’t what I planned on doing.

But circumstances change, situations change.And I’m very appreciative of everything that the Tigers have done for me.”“They’ve always had answers or a plan for me,” he added.

“So yeah, I feel like I’ve experienced a lot and kind of gone through the ups and downs.Gone through a lot of failure early in my career, and this club never stopped believing in me.”Only then did the left-hander turn his attention to Los Angeles and his new home as part of perhaps the best pitching staff ever assembled.“I’m excited to be a Dodger,” he said.

“I’m e...