Tarik Skubal, the Detroit Tigers’ two-time consecutive American League Cy Young Award-winning pitcher, is returning from the injured list to face the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday.
Team manager A.J. Hinch announced the news on Thursday, describing the comeback as a significant start that will draw attention across the league.
Hinch said he was unsure whether Skubal would pitch a full game or a shortened outing in his first appearance back, but emphasized that his return is a major boost for the team, the rotation, and the club’s overall structure.
Skubal last played in the major leagues on April 29. The left-hander underwent surgery on May 6 to remove a loose fragment in his left elbow.
Before the surgery, it was expected that he would be sidelined for two to three months. However, thanks to a new, less invasive arthroscopy technique called NanoNeedle Scope 2.0, his recovery process accelerated.
Skubal began throwing again just days after the surgery and quickly progressed to full bullpen sessions. This week, a cautious approach was taken, and it was noted he could return even earlier if desired.
In a rehab game last Sunday in High-A West Michigan, Skubal pitched five scoreless innings, throwing 54 pitches. His fastball reached up to 99 mph, and after the game, he threw about 15 more pitches in the bullpen, bringing his total workload close to 70 pitches.
Skubal is in the final year of his contract with the Tigers. Detroit struggled with a 6-22 record in May, falling 12 games below .500 for the season, but has won six of its last eight games to stay in contention.
Over the past two-plus years, the Tigers have posted a 45-23 record on days Skubal has pitched, highlighting his importance to the team. His return is therefore seen as a critical factor in Detroit’s efforts to become contenders again.
On the other hand, if the Tigers fall out of the race, Skubal could become one of the most valuable players before the August 3 trade deadline. It is also highly likely he will secure a major contract this offseason.
Hinch expressed satisfaction with how modern technology and medicine have advanced to this point. The experienced manager described Skubal’s return as close to a best-case scenario and emphasized that the recovery process is progressing in the best possible way.
