What happened: Skubal will start Friday's 6:40 p.m. ET series opener against his former club. Detroit received three Dodgers prospects in the Aug. 1 deal, which followed a 10-9, 12-inning loss to Baltimore after the Tigers squandered a 7-0 seventh-inning lead.

Why it matters: Detroit is 62-71 and has gone 9-12 since the trade, leaving its playoff hopes in jeopardy. Los Angeles enters 80-54 while pursuing a third consecutive World Series title, a feat no National League team has achieved.

What to watch: Skubal's reception and his first matchup against former teammates will frame Friday's opener.