Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, a two-time American League Cy Young Award winner, is set to undergo elbow surgery to remove loose bodies after being scratched from Monday's start against the Boston Red Sox. The procedure, which hasn't been scheduled yet, comes as a tough blow for the 29-year-old left-hander, who is approaching free agency next offseason.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch revealed that Skubal felt pain in his elbow on Sunday, just days after an injury scare against the Atlanta Braves. Tests confirmed the presence of loose bodies in the joint, leading to the decision for surgery. For a pitcher of Skubal's caliber—known for his dominant fastball and sharp slider—any elbow issue raises concern, especially with his contract year looming.

The trouble first surfaced during Skubal's start against the Braves last week. After a 2-2 pitch to Matt Olson, he was seen rubbing his left arm, prompting a visit from the trainer and Hinch. Despite the discomfort, Skubal threw one warmup pitch, shook off the concern, and struck out the side to end his outing. It was a gritty performance that showcased his resilience: he allowed five hits, fanned seven batters, and issued zero walks over the night.

For the Tigers, this is a significant setback as they rely on Skubal's elite arm to anchor their rotation. Loose-body removal is typically a minor procedure, but recovery time can vary, and the team will be monitoring closely. Fans and analysts alike will be watching how this affects his availability for the rest of the season—and potentially his value on the free-agent market. Stay tuned for updates as the surgery date is set.