Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal will have surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow, the team announced ahead of today's games [1]. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch confirmed the procedure, saying, "Tarik Skubal will undergo surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow" [1].
Skubal, 29, experienced elbow discomfort during his last start around April 27 but remained in the game after a trainer's check, according to team sources [1]. Before the surgery announcement, Skubal posted a 3-2 record with a 2.70 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 43⅓ innings pitched so far this season [1]. Over his last four seasons, Skubal has amassed a 41-15 record, a 2.41 ERA, and 616 strikeouts in 511 innings [1].
The Tigers have not provided a specific timeline for Skubal's return this season [1]. Surgery to remove loose bodies typically sidelines pitchers for two to three months, though recovery times can vary [1]. If Skubal’s rehabilitation follows typical patterns, he could return to pitch in the latter part of the season [1].
The Tigers are currently 18-17 and tied for first place in the AL Central, but their rotation is thin due to injuries. Besides Skubal’s elbow issue, Casey Mize is sidelined with a right adductor strain, Justin Verlander has a hip injury, and Reese Olson is out for the season [1].
Skubal is a two-time Cy Young winner expected to hit free agency after this season, with projections suggesting he could command a record-setting contract [1]. The team will monitor his surgery and rehab closely as they manage their pitching staff through a crowded injury list.
The Tigers will provide updates on Skubal’s progress as they receive medical reports and evaluate his recovery timeline.