The Detroit Tigers might be getting their ace back sooner than anyone anticipated. While the team has remained tight-lipped about a specific timeline for Tarik Skubal's return after undergoing surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow last week, his agent, Scott Boras, has offered a promising update that has Tigers fans buzzing.
Typically, this type of procedure requires a recovery window of two to three months. However, Boras revealed on ESPN's "Baseball Tonight" podcast that the surgery was performed by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache using a NanoScope, making it significantly less invasive. "This is really almost like receiving a shot," Boras explained, emphasizing that the two-time defending American League Cy Young Award winner won't have to start from scratch in rebuilding his arm strength. "We think that's going to be a much shorter period (of rehabilitation), and he'll be able to return to performance at just a much, much earlier stage."
Skubal, 29, has been nothing short of dominant when healthy. In seven starts this season, he boasts a 2.70 ERA and a 3-2 record—impressive numbers for a pitcher entering a contract year. Over seven seasons with the Tigers since 2020, he has compiled a 57-39 record, a 3.06 ERA, and a 1.021 WHIP across 144 appearances, while striking out 934 batters against just 178 walks. His return would be a massive boost for a Tigers team that has made the postseason in each of the last two seasons after a nine-year drought.
Detroit certainly needs the good news. The pitching staff has been battered by injuries, with Justin Verlander recently transferred to the 60-day injured list due to right hip inflammation, Reese Olson lost for the season after shoulder surgery, and Casey Mize working his way back from a right adductor strain. Currently sitting at 19-22 and tied for third place—just 1.5 games back in the American League Central—the Tigers are clinging to contention, and an early return for their ace could be the spark they need to keep their playoff hopes alive.