Tarik Skubal
Breakdown
Performance
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June 11, 2026
Confirmed to return Saturday
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch confirmed Thursday that Skubal (elbow) will rejoin the rotation Saturday in Cleveland, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
All told, Skubal will have been sidelined only 38 days after having surgery in early May to remove a loose body from his left elbow. The left-hander was excellent in his lone rehab start, striking out six over five scoreless frames for High-A West Michigan on Sunday. Skubal threw only 54 pitches in that outing, so he will be relatively limited from a workload perspective against the Guardians.
June 10, 2026
Could return Saturday
Skubal (elbow) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Wednesday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
Skubal struck out six batters in five innings during his rehab start at High-A West Michigan on Sunday, and he said Tuesday that he hasn't had any problems recovering from his appearance. He added that he expects things to go well during his bullpen session Wednesday, and if the Tigers are satisfied with his performance, it could be the final hurdle in his recovery from left elbow surgery. Skubal typically throws a bullpen session three days before he's scheduled to start, so he would be lined up to make his return Saturday against the Guardians in Cleveland.
June 7, 2026
Dazzles in rehab start
Skubal (elbow) tossed five scoreless innings Sunday in a rehab start with High-A West Michigan, allowing two hits and no walks while striking out six batters.
Analysis
Back on the mound for the first time since undergoing surgery May 6 to remove a loose body from his left elbow, Skubal exhibited no signs of rust. Though he was facing off against lower-caliber competition, Skubal was supremely efficient, spotting 44 of his 54 total pitches for strikes. According to Jeff Seidel of the Detroit Free Press, Skubal tossed an additional 15 pitches out of the bullpen following the start, so he could be stretched out enough to make his next appearance with the big club. The Tigers will presumably reassess Skubal in a bullpen session within the next few days, and if all goes well, he could rejoin the Detroit rotation as soon as Friday in Cleveland. Even if the Tigers elect to send Skubal out for another rehab start, he's still on track to easily beat his initial estimated recovery timeline of 2-to-3 months following surgery.
June 5, 2026
Making rehab start Sunday
Skubal (elbow) will make a rehab start with High-A West Michigan on Sunday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
It will be Skubal's first rehab start since undergoing surgery to have bone chips removed from his left elbow in early May. He's been throwing bullpens and simulated games with the Tigers in recent weeks, but the lefty will now head out on a rehab assignment to get some game action. As long as all goes smoothly, Skubal looks poised to rejoin the Tigers' rotation perhaps as early as next week.