Ohtani's injury may alter Dodgers' plans; Tigers' Skubal named target

Shohei Ohtani's ongoing knee discomfort could prompt the Los Angeles Dodgers to pursue reinforcements for their starting pitching rotation. The Japanese superstar has been unable to return to the Dodgers' starting lineup, and his recovery timeline remains uncertain, according to reports.

This situation, coupled with the extended absence of catcher Will Smith due to a neck issue, has led the Dodgers to explore the trade market for starting pitchers. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the team is interested in acquiring a catcher and may also look to add a starting pitcher.

Among the potential targets is Tarik Skubal, the two-time Cy Young Award winner for the Detroit Tigers. Billy Heyen of The Sporting News analyzed that Skubal would be a highly attractive option if the Tigers decide to become sellers. The Dodgers are believed to possess the necessary assets, including a strong farm system, to make a competitive trade offer that other teams might find difficult to match.

Acquiring Skubal would significantly enhance the Dodgers' already formidable starting rotation, which includes Ohtani, Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow. Such a move would further bolster their chances of achieving a third consecutive championship.