The two-time Cy Young winner faces an uncertain recovery after surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow
Category: Sports
Detroit Tigers ace and two-time defending American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal will undergo arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies from his left elbow. The announcement came after Skubal experienced pain during a routine catch-play session on May 3, leading to his removal from the starting lineup for a game against the Boston Red Sox. Manager A.J. Hinch confirmed the news, stating that the procedure is necessary but did not provide a specific timetable for Skubal's return.
Skubal's injury marks a troubling turn for the Tigers, who are currently tied for first place in the AL Central with an 18-17 record. The surgery is expected to sideline the left-hander for two to three months, which could significantly impact the Tigers' season and Skubal's impending free agency.
Skubal, who has been dealing with elbow issues intermittently throughout the season, was initially optimistic about his readiness for the start against the Red Sox. He had a solid outing in his last appearance on April 29 against the Atlanta Braves, where he pitched seven innings, allowing two runs and recording seven strikeouts. "I thought I was progressing in a very positive manner," Skubal said. "But then again, it was progressing in a positive manner, so I wasn't very concerned about it. I kind of figured once I got my workload up... that it would go away." Unfortunately, the situation changed dramatically after his catch-play session on Sunday.
During that session, Skubal felt his elbow lock up, reminiscent of an incident in the seventh inning of his last start against Atlanta. He had called catcher Dillon Dingler to the mound for a brief consultation after feeling discomfort, but he managed to finish the game and even struck out the side to end his night. Following that outing, he expressed uncertainty about the nature of his discomfort, describing it as "something different than what I've been dealing with." After consulting with the Tigers' medical staff, it was decided that surgery was necessary.
This will be Skubal's third surgery on his left elbow, having previously undergone Tommy John surgery in 2016 and flexor tendon surgery in 2022. Since returning from the flexor tendon surgery in July 2023, Skubal has been one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball, posting a 41-15 record with a 2.41 ERA and 616 strikeouts over 511 innings. His performance has solidified his status as one of the top pitchers in the league, winning the Cy Young Award in both 2024 and 2025, and he was projected to be a leading contender for the award again this season.
As the Tigers navigate this setback, they face additional challenges with other key starters on the injured list, including Justin Verlander and Casey Mize. Hinch acknowledged the difficulty of losing such a prominent player, stating, "Losing Skubal is a blow, especially with starting pitchers Justin Verlander, Casey Mize, and Troy Melton all on the injured list." The team will need to adapt quickly, with left-hander Tyler Holton serving as the opener for Monday's game and Ty Madden called up from Triple-A Toledo to fill Skubal's spot in the rotation.
Skubal's injury comes at a particularly sensitive time in his career. He is in the final year of his rookie contract and recently won a historic arbitration case, securing a $32 million salary for the season—significantly higher than the Tigers' initial offer of $19 million. As he prepares to enter free agency after the 2026 season, the surgery and its recovery timeline could impact his market value. Skubal had been considered a strong candidate for a record-setting contract, potentially reaching $400 million, but the uncertainty surrounding his health now hangs large.
Following the surgery, the typical recovery timeline for a procedure to remove loose bodies is between two to three months, which means Skubal may not return until mid to late summer. "From my understand, you just go take [them] out," Skubal explained. "I think the length of the rehab is probably just getting your Spring Training buildup up again, getting your volume up. But the procedure itself, I think, is pretty simple as far as what’s been explained." This optimistic outlook is tempered by the reality that he will miss a substantial portion of the season.
In the meantime, the Tigers will have to rely on their bullpen and other pitchers to step up in Skubal's absence. Hinch has indicated that the team will need to be creative with their pitching strategy, particularly as they navigate the challenges posed by injuries to other key players. The current situation is a test for the team, as they must find ways to remain competitive in a division that remains wide open.
As for Skubal, he remains hopeful about his recovery and is determined to return to the mound. "It sucks," he admitted. "What I pride myself on is taking the ball every fifth day and giving our team a chance to win. Not being able to do that for whatever the timeline is... it sucks. I want to play baseball. I give a lot to this game." He remains confident that with the right work and support, he can come back strong and continue to be a dominant force on the field.
As the Tigers prepare for their next game against the Red Sox, they will have to adjust their strategy without their ace. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. on May 4 at Comerica Park. The team will look to rally together and find success in the face of adversity, hoping for a swift recovery for Skubal and a continued push for a playoff spot this season.