The Detroit Tigers just received a massive dose of good news regarding ace Tarik Skubal, and it comes just over a week after he went under the knife. In a season that has already tested the patience of the Motor City faithful, this update is exactly what the doctor ordered—literally.

Skubal underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow, a procedure that initially had the team bracing for a roughly two-month absence. For a Tigers squad hovering near the bottom of the standings, and with whispers surrounding Skubal’s future in Detroit, the timeline felt like a gut punch.

But according to MLB insider Jon Heyman of The New York Post, Skubal is already playing catch. Yes, you read that right—just days after surgery, the Cy Young-caliber lefty is back to tossing the ball around. The early returns suggest he could beat that initial two-month projection, with a possible return in as little as six weeks.

That timeline puts Skubal back on the mound before the All-Star break, a huge boost for a team that desperately needs a spark. At 19-25, the Tigers have struggled to find consistency, and the thought of trading away their star pitcher at the deadline has loomed large. But if Skubal can return sooner than expected, Detroit suddenly has a much stronger case for holding onto their ace and making a push.

Before the injury, Skubal was absolutely dealing. In seven starts, he posted a 2.70 ERA, struck out 45 batters, and went 3-2. Getting that kind of production back in the rotation would be a game-changer for a pitching staff that has been searching for stability.

Of course, there are still hurdles to clear. Playing catch is one thing; ramping up to game speed is another. But for a team that has been starved for positive headlines, this update is a welcome sign that brighter days—and a healthy Skubal—could be on the horizon.