Great news for Detroit Tigers fans: ace Tarik Skubal is already back to playing catch, just over a week after undergoing elbow surgery. The two-time AL Cy Young Award winner had a minimally invasive procedure on May 6 to remove a loose body in his pitching elbow. When the Tigers placed the 29-year-old left-hander on the 15-day injured list effective May 4, the team initially projected he would miss two to three months.
"Tarik has started his throwing program, which is significant news just that it's increased his rehab progression to the next phase, which is really exciting," manager A.J. Hinch said Friday. "We thought this procedure would lead to a step-by-step process and this next step is literally the throwing program. So he initiated that earlier this week and will continue to play catch daily until we ramp him up to the bullpen."
Skubal first felt irritation in his last start, on April 29 against Atlanta, but stayed in the game and struck out the side in his seventh and final inning. He was scratched on the day of his next scheduled start, leading to the surgery.
"He obviously feels great," Hinch said. "I was texting back and forth with him last night, and he was super excited about just the general feeling. It doesn't feel weird, it doesn't feel awkward. It's not guarded. I've seen video of it. We're in touch with him daily about the program. And that sort of freedom, mentally and physically, I think, is a great sign."
The left-handed ace has been dominant this season, posting a 3-2 record with a 2.70 ERA over seven starts. He's struck out 45 batters while walking just six in 43 1/3 innings, showing the elite command that's made him one of baseball's top pitchers. Skubal is playing on a $32 million salary after winning arbitration and is eligible for free agency after the World Series, making his health a top priority for the organization.
Hinch emphasized the team will be cautious with Skubal's return, noting: "If there's any sort of soreness, fatigue, lack of execution, things like that, we can get to the baseball (part of the rehab) once we clear any of the swelling." For now, the early signs are encouraging, with Skubal's throwing program off to a smooth start.