"The surgery is pretty simple," Skubal said.
DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers have placed two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal on the 15-day injured list after the left-hander underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies from his pitching elbow.
Scratched from a scheduled start against the Boston Red Sox on Monday, May 5, 2026, Skubal is now facing a recovery period that will resemble a spring training buildup. While no official timeline has been provided, typical recovery for this procedure ranges from two to three months, suggesting a potential return after the All-Star break.
Injury Timeline
- First Discomfort: Skubal grabbed his forearm during the seventh inning of a start against the Atlanta Braves.
- Continued Pitching: After evaluation by catcher Dillon Dingler, the training staff, and manager A.J. Hinch, he remained in the game and struck out the side.
- Sudden Setback: Following a bullpen session on Sunday where he felt fine, his elbow later locked up again.
- Surgery Decision: Further tests confirmed the need for an arthroscopic procedure to remove loose bodies.
2026 Season Performance
In seven starts this season, Skubal posted a 2.70 ERA over 43 1/3 innings, with 45 strikeouts and a 3-2 record. His average fastball velocity (96.6 mph) is down from 97.6 mph in 2025 but matches his 2024 level—a year in which he also won the Cy Young.
Career Background
- AL Cy Young Awards: 2023 (13-6, 2.21 ERA, 241 strikeouts) and 2024 (18-4, 2.39 ERA, 228 strikeouts).
- Postseason Dominance: 2-1 record with a 2.04 ERA and 56 strikeouts over six starts.
- International Experience: Pitched for the U.S. in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
- Elbow History: This is his third elbow surgery, following Tommy John surgery in college and flexor tendon surgery in 2023.
- Contract Year: Skubal is in the final season of his contract and is expected to become a free agent after 2026.
Team Context & Rotation Adjustments
The Tigers are 18-17, tied for first place in the AL Central.
The team's pitching staff is significantly depleted. Other pitchers currently on the injured list include:
- Justin Verlander (hip inflammation)
- Casey Mize (groin/adductor strain)
- Reese Olson (shoulder surgery, out for season)
- Jackson Jobe (60-day IL, recovering from Tommy John surgery)
To cover Skubal's absence, the Tigers recalled right-handed pitcher Ty Madden from Triple-A Toledo. The team plans to use a bullpen game opened by Tyler Holton to fill Skubal's rotation spot.
Remaining healthy starters include Framber Valdez and Jack Flaherty, with Keider Montero currently filling in for Verlander. Drew Anderson, signed from the KBO, may see an increased role as a multi-inning reliever or bulk pitcher. Troy Melton (elbow) has begun a minor league rehab assignment.