The Detroit Tigers have activated two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal from the 15-day injured list, while placing right-hander Jack Flaherty on the 15-day IL with a left peroneal strain. In related moves, the Tigers recalled infielder Hao-Yu Lee from Triple-A Toledo and optioned righty Ty Madden back to the minors.
Skubal will make his season debut Saturday against the Cleveland Guardians, a team he has historically dominated. Since his MLB debut in 2020, he has posted a 2.33 ERA in 12 starts against Cleveland. Before the injury, Skubal was off to another dominant start, throwing 43 1/3 innings with a 2.70 ERA and a 27.1 percent strikeout rate against just a 3.6 percent walk rate.
Skubal’s return is ahead of schedule. He underwent a NanoNeedle procedure to remove loose bodies from his elbow on May 6, a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery. The recovery time was projected to be two to three months, but Skubal returned just 38 days later. The surgery has also helped Los Angeles Dodgers lefty Blake Snell, who had the same procedure about a week and a half later.
The Tigers are in a tight playoff race, currently 29-41 with a 5 1/2-game gap to the first wild-card spot. Skubal’s return gives manager A.J. Hinch a much-needed boost in the rotation. The Tigers have won seven of their last 10 games, and with the rotation getting healthier, they could be buyers at the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
Flaherty’s IL placement adds urgency to the Tigers’ pitching situation. The right-hander has struggled this season, posting a 5.35 ERA with a 25.5 percent strikeout rate and an 11.1 percent walk rate in 15 starts. His struggles have been partially masked by a .337 batting average on balls in play, which is far above average.
Skubal’s return also brings attention to his potential trade value. As a Scott Boras client, he will hit free agency after the season and is expected to command top dollar on the open market. If traded before the deadline, he could fetch a high-return package of prospects.
The Tigers’ rotation will now feature Skubal, Casey Mize, Framber Valdez, Keider Montero, and Troy Melton. Mize is set to return Sunday after a groin injury, while Verlander continues his rehab from hip inflammation.
Skubal takes the mound Saturday against the Guardians in what could be a pivotal start for the Tigers’ playoff hopes.
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