Tarik Skubal needs elbow surgery. Detroit Tigers manager AJ Hinch announced before Monday's game against the Boston Red Sox that Skuble has been ruled out of his upcoming start and placed on the injured list. The back-to-back Cy Young Award winner will undergo surgery to remove a loose body in his left elbow.
Skubal appeared to be in danger of injury after moving his left hand, removing his glove, and rubbing his left elbow in the seventh inning of his last start. Skubal remained in the game and looked to be in good position to make his next start. Now, the Tigers' starting pitcher needs surgery.
When will Tarik Skubal return to Detroit Tigers after surgery?
It's a devastating blow for Detroit, which has faced injuries to begin the 2026 MLB season. Now, Skubal, who was one of the favorites to win the 2026 American League Cy Young Award, is joining the injured list. So, when will Skubal return to the Tigers after his elbow surgery?
As ESPN's Jeff Passan reported, these procedures typically sideline pitchers for two to three months. Therefore, Skubal will return in July or early August, giving him time before the 2026 MLB postseason. This shouldn't rule Skubal out for the remainder of the 2026 MLB season, but it will end his bid for a third Cy Young Award.
Now, Framber Valdez will be the Tigers' ace in the summer. The Detroit pitching staff has been affected by injuries, and signing Valdez in the winter proves to be one of the best moves the organization has made now. This also has another impact on Scoble, who is set to become a free agent after the 2026 MLB season.
Skubal has suffered elbow injuries in the past, including Tommy John surgery in 2017 and flexor tendon surgery in 2022. The 29-year-old starting pitcher is set to earn one of the largest pitching contracts in MLB history, and this may have a slight impact on those plans.
For now, Skubal will focus on recovering from his injury, and the Tigers hope to keep the ship turning without him.
READ MORE: MLB Insider shares update on Tarik Skubal's future with Detroit Tigers
