The baseball world was hit with significant news this week: Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is set to undergo elbow surgery, a development that could reshape the trade market and impact the Los Angeles Dodgers' rotation plans.
According to multiple reports, including from Tigers beat reporter Evan Woodbery and ESPN's Jeff Passan, Skubal will be placed on the injured list to address "loose bodies" in his left elbow. This procedure typically sidelines players for two to three months, meaning the two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner should return before the season ends—but it's still a tough blow for the impending free agent.
For the Dodgers, this news is particularly noteworthy. Los Angeles had been rumored as a potential suitor for Skubal if they needed additional help in their starting rotation. With Skubal now sidelined, that pursuit appears highly unlikely, shifting the focus back to their current depth.
That could be good news for young arms like Emmet Sheehan and Roki Sasaki, who have been under some pressure as Blake Snell nears his return. Manager Dave Roberts has indicated that Sheehan, Sasaki, and even Wrobleski could see their roles adjusted in the coming weeks once Snell rejoins the rotation.
If the "loose bodies" diagnosis sounds familiar, it's likely because New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz underwent a similar procedure not too long ago. According to medical experts, loose bodies in the elbow are small fragments of bone or cartilage that float within the joint, often caused by wear and tear—a common issue for pitchers. While mild cases may not require immediate attention, the condition can cause pain, catching, or locking of the joint, making surgery necessary for MLB players. Diaz is expected to return after the All-Star Break.
For Skubal, the timeline is similar: a few months of recovery, with a return expected before the season's end. But for the Dodgers and any other teams eyeing a blockbuster trade, this news closes one door—and opens another for their internal options to step up.