Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal has begun his throwing progression just weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies from his left elbow. Manager A.J. Hinch confirmed the update, saying Skubal is playing catch daily and feeling strong. The two-time AL Cy Young Award winner is following a structured rehab plan under the guidance of Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed the procedure on May 6.
“I was texting back and forth with [Skubal] last night, and he feels super excited about just the general feeling [of throwing],” Hinch said. “It doesn’t feel weird. It doesn’t feel awkward. It’s not guarded.”
Skubal’s recovery is still in the early stages, but his progress is promising. The 26-year-old left-hander had already thrown a bullpen session in a rehab assignment before this season and is now working his way back to mound sessions. The Tigers are following a strict protocol to avoid setbacks. Hinch added that Skubal’s mental and physical freedom during early throws is a positive sign.
Arthroscopic elbow surgeries typically result in a recovery period of 2–3 months, depending on the severity of the issue. Skubal’s procedure involved removing loose bodies, which can include bone chips or cartilage, but the team has opted for a Nanoscope procedure, a less invasive method that uses a smaller incision. This approach was expected to allow for a quicker return to activity.
Skubal is no stranger to major arm surgeries. He underwent Tommy John surgery in college and flexor tendon surgery in August 2022, which kept him out until July 2023. This latest setback could impact his free agency next winter, as teams will closely evaluate his health and durability.
With a 20-25 record and a stacked American League, the Tigers remain in the playoff conversation. If Skubal and other key players return on schedule, Detroit could still contend for a wild card or even the AL Central title. However, if the team is out of the race by July, the focus could shift to whether Skubal is healthy enough for trade deadline interest.
The Tigers will continue to monitor Skubal’s progress closely. The next step is ramping up his throwing intensity and moving to mound sessions. A clearer timeline should emerge in the coming weeks.
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