The Detroit Tigers received a tough blow on Monday as their star pitcher, Tarik Skubal, was placed on the injured list and will require surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow. The two-time reigning AL Cy Young Award winner and impending free agent is expected to miss approximately two to three months, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

After making seven starts this season, the Tigers are playing it safe by opting for surgery. "Loose bodies" refer to small fragments of bone or cartilage that break off and float within the joint, as explained by the University of Colorado School of Medicine. While these fragments often cause little discomfort, they can lead to difficulty bending or rotating the joint when symptoms arise—and in Skubal's case, the team acted swiftly to address the issue.

This news is a significant setback for Detroit, which currently sits at 18-17 on the season. The Tigers' pitching staff will now lean heavily on Framber Valdez, who signed a three-year, $115 million contract this winter. Valdez will need to step up in a big way to help fill the void left by their ace.

For fans and fantasy owners alike, the silver lining is that Skubal should return before the season ends. However, with his free agency looming, every game missed is a crucial one for both the player and the team. Stay tuned for updates as we track his recovery and what it means for the Tigers' playoff push.