Tigers Ace Tarik Skubal Gets Concerning Injury News
The Detroit Tigers were able to figure things out with Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal after the case went to arbitration.
The Tigers then signed Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander, giving Detroit one of the best rotations in baseball.
However, some unfortunate news came on Monday as Skubal is heading to the Injured List and is set to undergo surgery due to loose bodies in his elbow.
Skubal was set to start on Monday, but was scratched and then placed on the IL, according to Evan Petzold of The Detroit Free Press.
"The 29-year-old left-hander won't start for the Detroit Tigers on Monday, May 4, against the Boston Red Sox in the first of three games in the series at Comerica Park. He is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove loose bodies in his left elbow, manager A.J. Hinch announced before Monday's game. There isn't a timetable for his return," Petzold wrote.
Skubal made just one appearance with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic in order to be fully ready for the 2026 MLB season, and now he lands on the IL not even two months into the year.
In Skubal's most recent start, he was seen shaking his elbow before leaving the game after seven innings.
Uh oh…. This is Tarik Skubal's last start. Now Skubal just got SCRATCHED today. Uh oh… Boras costed him hundreds of millions by refusing to negotiate an extension before free agency… pic.twitter.com/WxQ141taRa
— Goldschmidt Happened (@GoldyHappens) May 4, 2026
On the year, Skubal has a 3-2 record with a 2.70 ERA and 45 strikeouts, so he was pitching well for the Tigers.
How Long Will Skubal be Sidelined?
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch did not give a clear timeframe for a potential Skubal return, which isn't good news.
ESPN's Jeff Passan added that a typical return for such an issue is anywhere from 2 to 3 months, meaning the All-Star break is a potential early return for the Tigers ace.
Detroit ace Tarik Skubal will undergo surgery to remove loose bodies in his left elbow. Such procedures typically sideline players for 2-3 months. Skubal should return before season's end, but a tough blow for the impending free agent and two-time reigning AL Cy Young winner.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 4, 2026
The Tigers entered Monday with an 18-17 record, tied with the Cleveland Guardians for first place in the American League Central.
The Tigers are making some roster moves, but will use an opener for the game on Monday night.
A.J. Hinch said Skubal's arm locked up again during the game last night. The hope is this will be an "easy process and procedure," Hinch said.
— Cody Stavenhagen (@CodyStavenhagen) May 4, 2026
Tigers are bringing up Ty Madden for tonight's game. Tyler Holton will open for the second night in a row. https://t.co/ce1Eh6gs6E
Right now, it is not good news for the Tigers, and the franchise certainly hopes that their ace can return at some point before the season ends.
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This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 11:42 AM.