September 20, 2026 • 9:04 PM EDT
Updated 1 hours ago
Tarik Skubal has landed on the Los Angeles Dodgers’ bereavement list as of Sunday, meaning he will miss at least a few days with the team. This roster move could make him unavailable for his last regular-season start, though Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he expects Skubal will be back in time for Friday’s scheduled outing against the San Francisco Giants.
Skubal’s situation matters for Dodgers bettors and fantasy owners because he’s been a dependable arm since the team acquired him at the trade deadline, putting up a 2.95 ERA and a 4-2 record across nine starts. If Skubal misses a turn, the Dodgers could turn to young arms or mix up the rotation in a crucial run-up to the playoffs.
According to Yahoo Sports, Roberts told reporters Skubal will miss just “a couple days,” clarifying that while there’s “some personal stuff going on, but he’s fine.” This suggests the team doesn’t expect a long absence, but uncertainty lingers until he’s officially back.
Skubal struggled in his most recent start, giving up four runs over five innings in Saturday’s 10-4 win over the Giants. That was the first time he’d allowed more than three runs in a Dodgers uniform, which raises a flag for anyone who likes betting on player props or looks for edges in recent form. Skubal himself admitted he didn’t have his best stuff after the game, stating, “Obviously, I wasn’t very good today, but the offense and defense and bullpen picked me up big time, and that’s what good teams do.” It’s an honest assessment and a reminder that the Dodgers’ depth remains a safety net even when their ace has an off night.
Why this roster move matters for Dodgers backers
The Dodgers are juggling their rotation just as they push towards the postseason, and missing a regular starter like Skubal, even briefly, can have ripple effects. If Skubal is not back in time for Friday, the team could lean on depth pieces or use a bullpen game, which impacts game lines and run totals.
- Skubal placed on bereavement list, likely to miss only a few days
- Manager Dave Roberts expects a quick return for Skubal
- Emmet Sheehan recalled from Triple-A to fill the roster spot
- Skubal’s ERA with the Dodgers sits at 2.95 in nine starts
- His most recent outing was his shakiest, with four runs allowed in five innings
The Dodgers’ offense bailed Skubal out in that game, piling up early and middle-inning runs with big hits from Max Muncy, Mookie Betts, Tommy Edman, Miguel Rojas, Will Smith, and Josue De Paula. That kind of lineup depth offers support if the rotation’s in flux for even one cycle. On the pitching side, Emmet Sheehan was recalled from Triple-A and has been effective in recent outings, most notably logging 5 1/3 scoreless innings with nine strikeouts in the Dodgers’ 3-1 win when called up for bullpen duty.
Key takeaways for bettors
- Skubal’s brief absence shouldn’t disrupt the Dodgers’ rotation unless his return is delayed
- Pitching matchups for Friday’s game vs. Giants could shift if Skubal misses his turn after all
- Emmet Sheehan is pitching well in relief and spot starts, providing stability
- Skubal’s form dipped in his last start, worth monitoring for futures or prop bets
- Dodgers’ offense is hot, backing up the pitching staff even in high-scoring games
- Bettors should wait for confirmation of Skubal’s status for Friday before locking in wagers
FAQs
- Why was Tarik Skubal placed on the bereavement list?
He was placed on the bereavement list for personal reasons, but according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, it’s nothing that threatens his health and he should return in a few days. - How long can a player stay on the bereavement list?
Players can be away from the team for three to seven days when placed on the bereavement list. - Will Skubal miss his next start for the Dodgers?
Though it’s possible, the Dodgers’ manager expects him back in time for his scheduled start on Friday against the Giants. - Who is replacing Skubal on the roster?
Emmet Sheehan was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to fill the roster spot while Skubal is away. - How did Skubal perform in his most recent start?
He gave up four runs over five innings in a 10-4 win, marking his lowest strikeout total as a Dodger and first time allowing more than three runs in those nine starts. - How has Sheehan performed since his callups?
Sheehan has delivered, pitching over five scoreless innings with nine strikeouts in his most recent outing and was strong before his last option to Triple-A. - How are the Dodgers’ offense and bullpen performing during this stretch?
The Dodgers have shown reliable offensive support across the lineup and the bullpen has proven capable of holding leads, offsetting any starter struggles.
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