The baseball world has long assumed that the biggest stars eventually land in Los Angeles, and two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal was widely expected to be the next marquee name to don Dodger blue. Speculation had been rampant that Los Angeles would either swing a blockbuster trade for the Detroit ace before this season's deadline or pursue him in free agency with a record-breaking $400 million contract.

But as Monday's news reminds us, when it comes to pitchers, it's best not to count your chickens before they hatch. Skubal is sidelined with an elbow injury requiring surgery to remove "loose bodies" from his throwing arm—a procedure that typically keeps players out for two to three months. While he's expected to return before season's end, this development throws a major curveball into any trade or mega-deal discussions.

For a team like the Dodgers, who have deep pockets and a history of aggressive moves, this injury doesn't necessarily close the door. They have the financial flexibility to take risks that other organizations can't afford. Adding a pitcher of Skubal's caliber—even with some injury uncertainty—would still make their rotation look formidable. But suddenly, the path to acquiring him is far less straightforward.

Trading for a pitcher coming off elbow surgery is a risky proposition for any front office, and the injury introduces new questions about Skubal's long-term durability. While the Dodgers may still be interested, this twist certainly gives them—and every other team—plenty of reasons to pause and reconsider before opening the checkbook.