What happened: Skubal collected four strikeouts over the first two innings on a 92-mph changeup, a 99-mph sinker and 97- and 99-mph four-seamers. He mixed three pitch types for those punchouts while holding command through two.

Why it matters: Early swing-and-miss sets the tone for a series opener where starting length shapes bullpen use. A four-pitch mix working at full velocity gives room to turn the lineup over a second and third time.

What to watch: The next test is efficiency on second and third trips through the order and how deep the start goes.