Tigers ace Skubal faces 2-3 month elbow layoff
Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow to remove loose bodies, manager A.J. Hinch announced Monday. The procedure will sideline the two-time defending American League Cy Young Award winner for two to three months. Hinch described the surgery as an easy process.
Skubal's arm locked up during a bullpen session Sunday before his scheduled start against the Boston Red Sox on Monday night. In his previous outing last Wednesday, a 4-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves, he pitched seven innings and allowed two runs on five hits while striking out seven. He remained in that game after rubbing his arm and receiving a mound visit from Hinch and a trainer.
Skubal won a record $32 million in arbitration this offseason for the 2026 season, topping the figure awarded to Juan Soto by the New York Yankees in 2024. Without a long-term contract, he enters free agency after this season.
The Tigers recalled Ty Madden from the minors and will use Tyler Holton as an opener Monday night. Skubal joins Casey Mize and Justin Verlander on the injured list, thinning Detroit's starting rotation further.
