The invested more than $400 million in their star-studded rotation, making them an easy target for critics when they lost seven straight games at the beginning of August.
Some have argued that Los Angeles’ greatest advantage is simply accumulating the biggest names available.
Tarik Skubal’s perspective, however, points toward something deeper.
With Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow headlining the rotation, the Dodgers have assembled a group capable of pursuing a third consecutive World Series.
What Skubal has learned so far
According to , Skubal emphasized what separates each pitcher.He praised Snell as one of MLB’s best left-handers and highlighted his game-planning.
He described Yamamoto’s preparation and process as exceptional, expressed admiration for what Glasnow can do with a baseball. And said Ohtani gives Los Angeles tremendous confidence .
“Snell is nasty, one of the game’s best lefties. Awesome to watch him go through game-planning. Yoshi’s process is nuts; the preparation is second to none. Glas is coming back soon. I’ve always been a fan of his; just what he’s able to do with the baseball out of his right hand is unbelievable. Sho threw a live today… when he’s on the mound, I love our chances,” Skubal said.
Skubal has maintained a relatively low profile since joining the Dodgers.
The reigning 2025 Cy Young Award winner is surrounded by elite pitchers, providing opportunities to identify weaknesses and make adjustments.
As a fellow left-hander, Snell represents an obvious resource.
Snell’s 2026 season has included significant injury setbacks followed by a dominant late-summer resurgence.
After helping Los Angeles win the World Series against the last year, fatigue and a major left elbow procedure sidelined him for most of the first half.
The Dodgers transferred Snell to the 60-day Injured List on May 28, and loose-body surgery ultimately kept him out for nearly three months.
Since returning, Snell has surrendered only two earned runs in 18 innings in his first three starts, including six scoreless innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.
Skubal and Snell were also recently seen talking in the dugout.
Skubal can also learn from Glasnow, who returns Tuesday against the after dealing with back issues.
Ohtani is also expected back on the mound soon.
Skubal’s value
The Dodgers likely anticipated stronger immediate numbers from Skubal, but Saturday offered evidence that he may be getting closer.After allowing three runs on three hits in the first inning, he dominated from the second inning forward, recording 11 strikeouts and retiring 18 of the last 19 hitters he faced in a 4-3 home win against the .
Skubal later explained that he needs to compete aggressively earlier rather than concentrating too much on commanding everything immediately and searching for feel.
“That’s something that I need to make a change for. Instead of trying to command the ball early, maybe just go out there and compete with what I got and then the adjustments will happen naturally,” Skubal said after the game.
“Early in games, my stuff should be crisper than it is. I think it’s just about competing early in games instead of trying to find a feel for things. Just go out there and compete.”
That mentality reflects one of his greatest qualities.
Skubal is willing to even after dominant stretches, identify specific weaknesses and make adjustments instead of relying solely on his established reputation.
His competitiveness, eagerness to learn and ability to absorb information from accomplished teammates could make this rotation even more dangerous.
His next start should provide another indication of whether those adjustments, combined with what he is learning from the Dodgers’ other aces, are helping him rediscover his best form.
