The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to solidify their status as premier World Series contenders as the 2026 MLB regular season enters its final stretch. Entering Wednesday night’s matchup against the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles holds an 88-57 record and is chasing a seventh consecutive victory.
Dodgers Close Gap on National League’s Best Record
The club sits just 1.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the top record in the National League. A major factor in their late-season surge has been the seamless integration of one of baseball’s most significant midseason acquisitions. The Dodgers acquired reigning back-to-back American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers ahead of the trade deadline, and the left-hander has quickly become a cornerstone of their pursuit of a third straight championship.
Skubal Dominates in Dodgers Debut Stretch
Since arriving in Los Angeles, Skubal has made seven starts and posted a 2.93 ERA with 48 strikeouts over 43 innings. While his on-field performance has been stellar, a recent off-field revelation highlighted the stark organizational differences between his former and current clubs.
Travel Logistics Expose Franchise Disparities
Teammate Max Muncy appeared on the show “Foul Territory” and revealed that Skubal confirmed the Tigers’ old team plane was unable to fly across the country without stopping to refuel. While Detroit has since acquired a new aircraft capable of cross-country flights, the detail underscores the operational gaps for a franchise enduring a disappointing 66-79 season, leaving them well outside the American League playoff picture.
Dodgers Set Standard with Two-Plane Operation
For Skubal, the transition has been night and day. Moving from a middle-of-the-pack payroll team to the famously deep-pocketed Dodgers has granted him access to luxuries reserved for the sport’s elite organizations. Notably, Los Angeles is the only team in baseball this season to utilize two separate planes for road trips — one dedicated to players and another for staff. The organization views the arrangement as a competitive advantage, providing players with enhanced comfort, rest, and recovery for what they consider their most valuable assets.
The differences between Detroit and Los Angeles extend far beyond air travel, but Skubal’s experience offers a vivid illustration of how drastically organizational resources and philosophies can vary across Major League Baseball.
