Tarik Skubal gets emotional during highly anticipated return to Detroit after blockbuster trade

Tarik Skubal made his return to Detroit on Friday night, facing his former Tigers teammates for the first time since being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this month.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner got the start as the Dodgers opened a series at Comerica Park. Los Angeles acquired Skubal in a blockbuster deal that sent outfielder Zyhir Hope and right-handed pitchers Brady Smith and River Ryan to Detroit.

Before the game, the Tigers played a tribute video on the big screen honoring Skubal's years with the club. The pitcher appeared visibly emotional as the standing ovation washed over him, and the crowd greeted his walk to the mound with a mix of cheers and boos.

The night had a lighter moment before Skubal threw his first pitch, when his PitchCom device malfunctioned. Once play began, Gleyber Torres — Skubal's former teammate and Detroit's second baseman — became the first batter he faced. Torres smoked a pitch deep over the head of Dodgers center fielder Alek Thomas, racing to second base for a double.

Skubal recovered quickly. He struck out the next two batters and escaped the inning without allowing a run.

The Dodgers entered the series opener looking to bounce back after being swept in three straight games by the Atlanta Braves.