With Tarik Skubal expected to be the most sought-after trade chip between now and the August 3 trade deadline, the Detroit Tigers lefty is beginning the first step of his rehab.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported Monday that Skubal is slated to throw a simulated game today, followed by a potential rehab game next week. The hope is for Skubal to return to a big-league game in two weeks.
Skubal was placed on the injured list on May 4 due to loose bodies in his left elbow, which required surgery; the initial timetable for the lefty's return was two to three months. Skubal, however, has already taken huge strides in his rehab and could return sooner than expected.
Despite being on the IL, the 29-year-old's name has already swirled around in trade discussions and is widely expected to be dealt by the trade deadline. The Tigers are in the midst of a brutal season, with Skubal's injury among the reasons why they have fallen flat in 2026.
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Since losing their ace, Detroit has lost 21 of its last 25 games and is in last place in the American League Central at 22-38. The Tigers also have a slew of other players on the IL, including notable contributors in Javier Báez (ankle), Gleyber Torres (oblique), Kenley Jansen (groin), and Casey Mize (groin).
With the Tigers showing no signs of climbing out of the hole they've dug themselves in, it would be a shock if they held onto the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner when the trade deadline passes, especially with Skubal slated to be a free agent after this season.
Detroit also attempted to sign Skubal to a long-term contract in the offseason, but the two sides were reportedly far apart in negotiations.
In seven starts this season, Skubal is 3-2 with a 2.70 ERA, 45 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 0.95 in 43.1 innings pitched.
