The Detroit Tigers have placed their two-time reigning American League Cy Young winner, Tarik Skubal, on the injured list due to loose bodies in his left elbow. While the team has declined to provide a specific timeline for his return, medical experts weigh in on what fans can expect.

Dr. Shahryar Ahmadi, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow injuries at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center in California, explains that recovery can vary widely—from as little as six weeks to as long as six months. The key factors? The extent of the damage and the presence of arthritis.

"If there's minimal arthritis, no stiffness or instability, and just a few small loose bodies, recovery is quick, and the chance of returning to peak performance is very high," Dr. Ahmadi says. "But if there's extensive arthritis, multiple loose bodies, or joint instability, recovery becomes more complicated, and the odds of returning to elite form decrease."

So, what exactly are loose bodies? Dr. Ahmadi breaks it down: "When the joint is damaged, a piece of cartilage or bone can break off inside. Over time, it may grow and become a loose body. Sometimes it stays hidden in the joint capsule without causing issues. Other times, it gets stuck, leading to locking, pain, and inflammation. In more severe cases, it can block movement entirely—a condition called impingement."

The good news? Most loose bodies can be removed through arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure. For a pitcher of Skubal's caliber—fresh off back-to-back Cy Young seasons—the focus now is on a smooth recovery and a return to the mound. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch has made it clear: "We're not canceling the season."