The Detroit Tigers have spent the past month waiting for the return of the most important pitcher on their roster.
Despite a disappointing 28-40 start to the season, Detroit has remained encouraged by the progress of several injured players, none more significant than Tarik Skubal. The reigning American League Cy Young Award winner has missed the Tigers’ last seven turns through the rotation after undergoing surgery in early May to remove loose bodies from his left elbow.
Before the injury, Skubal was once again performing like one of baseball’s elite starters. Through seven starts, the left-hander went 3-2 with a 2.70 ERA, a 0.95 WHIP and 45 strikeouts across 43.1 innings, and he looked well on his way to another Cy Young-caliber campaign.
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After the procedure, manager A.J. Hinch repeatedly emphasized the importance of a measured approach, even as Skubal progressed faster than many expected. His rehab assignment began in June, and the results have been extremely encouraging.
In his most recent rehab outing with High-A West Michigan, Skubal struck out six batters over five scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while throwing 54 pitches. He also touched 99 mph on the radar gun and reported no setbacks afterward.
Now the Tigers are ready to bring their ace back. According to MLB.com’s Jason Beck, Hinch announced that Skubal will start on Saturday against the Cleveland Guardians. The decision comes after a successful bullpen session earlier this week and marks the end of a remarkably quick recovery from elbow surgery.
Getting Skubal back is a massive boost for Detroit. The 29-year-old is a two-time Cy Young winner, a two-time All-Star and one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball when healthy.
The Tigers’ record may have left them facing an uphill climb in the American League Central, but adding Skubal back to the rotation immediately changes the outlook. For a club that has struggled to gain traction without its ace, Saturday’s start represents one of the most significant developments of the season.
