Ohtani's pitching future is uncertain, and the Dodgers seem poised to make a big move for Skubal

The doubts about Shohei Ohtani's return to pitching may push the Los Angeles Dodgers to aggressively target Detroit Tigers' star southpaw Tarik Skubal. According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the industry widely expects Skubal to be traded before the deadline, and many see a clear frontrunner emerging: the Dodgers.

Passan said today, "While everyone assumes the Milwaukee Brewers will be in the mix, the Tampa Bay Rays will be in the mix, and the Atlanta Braves will be in the mix, they've all essentially resigned themselves to the idea that the Los Angeles Dodgers will ultimately land Tarik Skubal."

The Dodgers' interest in Skubal has been a hot topic all summer. Some question whether they would be willing to part with top prospects for Skubal when Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow are both nearing returns from injury.

However, as MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi pointed out today, the lingering questions about Ohtani's return to the mound could provide additional incentive for the Dodgers to trade for the two-time Cy Young Award winner.