ATLANTA –– Tarik Skubal won’t have to wait long to return to the mound at Comerica Park.

The new Dodgers pitcher is set to start the team’s series-opener against the Tigers on Friday night in Detroit, in what will be his first trip back to his former home stadium following his trade to the Dodgers a month ago.

“I think it’ll be a lot of gratitude,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of his expectations for Skubal’s Tigers reunion. “A lot of people cheering him on.”

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Skubal (29). IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The potential of Skubal starting in Detroit became obvious as soon as the Dodgers acquired him for three prospects in a pre-deadline day blockbuster.

Skubal had become the face of the Tigers franchise over his seven-year career there, in which he blossomed from an unheralded ninth-round draft pick into the American League’s reigning two-time Cy Young Award winner.

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Skubal tips his hat to the fans. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Skubal was beloved by Tigers fans, as evidenced by the rousing ovation he received in his final home start for the team on July 29 — three days before the trade.

Now, he will be back as a visiting player for the first time, set to face off against his former team less than four weeks after his departure.

“He did a lot of good things for the city of Detroit,” Roberts said, before cracking a sly smile: “But I hope they do the festivities the night after we win on Friday.”

Friday will mark Skubal’s fifth start since joining the Dodgers. In that time, he has gone 1-2 with a 3.38 ERA, which is slightly off his superstar standard. However, he is coming off his best outing since the trade last Saturday, when he rebounded from a three-run first inning by mowing through the next six frames without allowing any more damage and striking out 11 batters overall.

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