The Detroit Tigers have been dealt a tough blow as their ace, Tarik Skubal, is set to undergo surgery on his left elbow. The 29-year-old left-hander will have a procedure to remove loose bodies from the joint, which has forced him out of his scheduled start on Monday, May 4, against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park.

Skubal's last outing raised some eyebrows when he appeared to be in discomfort, shaking his left arm and rubbing his elbow after delivering a pitch. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch described the sensation as "a funny feeling on the outside of his arm," though Skubal initially downplayed the issue before Sunday's game, expressing no concern about his health heading into the start.

This news is a significant setback for the Tigers, who have relied heavily on Skubal's dominant performance this season. Through seven starts, he has posted an impressive 2.70 ERA, striking out 45 batters while walking just six over 43⅓ innings. His ability to miss bats and keep runners off the basepaths has made him a cornerstone of Detroit's rotation.

For a pitcher of Skubal's caliber, elbow issues are always a concern, but the removal of loose bodies is often a routine procedure that can provide long-term relief. The Tigers and their fans will be hoping for a smooth recovery and a swift return to the mound. In the meantime, the team will need to lean on their depth to fill the void left by their ace.