CC Sabathia: Tarik Skubal has to ‘be himself’ with Los Angeles Dodgers

Tarik Skubal was supposed to put the Dodgers rotation over the top, but the southpaw has yet to flash his ace form with his new team.

Through two starts (11 innings pitched), the former Tiger has allowed five earned runs, walked four and struck out 12, leaving Hall of Famer CC Sabathia to assess his early returns in Los Angeles on the latest episode of MLB According to CC.

For [Skubal] to have four walks in two starts is something that tells me he’s pressing a little bit and trying to impress a little too much. He just needs to relax and be himself.

Sabathia believes a “big relief” awaits Skubal if the lefty ace can focus on doing “his part” with the Dodgers, where he’s no longer forced to carry a bigger responsibility with the Tigers.

“The Dodgers traded for him because of who he is,” Sabathia said. “You don’t have to go out and try to be anything extra. You’re already on a great team, you don’t need to throw shutouts. This team is going to score runs.”

02:39

Dodgers will ‘figure it out’ despite recent skid

CC Sabathia lays out why the Dodgers will ultimately be “fine” despite their recent struggles, with back-to-back years of playing through the World Series potentially catching up to them as August rolls on.

Sabathia also explored Skubal’s comments on leaving the Tigers and his desire to eventually return to Detroit. While Sabathia fully understands the complex emotions of being traded, he reiterated that it’s time for Skubal to “move on” to what’s in front of him right now.

You’re in Dodger blue. You’re on a mission right now to try to get them their third championship and your first. You’re trying to get yourself paid. Let’s not look back ... They low-balled you in arbitration and then they traded you. Let it go.

08:19

Freeman on Skubal trade: ‘Glad he’s on our side’

Veteran star Freddie Freeman sits down with Jason Benetti ahead of Sunday Night Baseball, where he reflects on the Dodgers landing ace Tarik Skubal via trade, why the team’s “selfless” nature fuels them and much more.

New episodes with CC and Ahmed Fareed drop every Wednesday on Peacock, NBC Sports NOW, NBCSN, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.