Tigers’ Tarik Skubal could return even sooner than expected after surgery

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal was initially expected to miss two to three months due to an elbow injury. While Skubal’s injury is far from ideal, the most recent update on the situation is encouraging. According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, Skubal could return in as soon as four weeks.

“Tarik Skubal elbow surgery was such a success he could start working out within days, and two months is even seen as a conservative estimate for the 2-time Cy Young winner to return. 4 to 6 weeks possible. One relatively small loose body was removed,” Heyman reported.

Skubal, arguably the best pitcher in the game, won back-to-back Cy Young awards in the American League heading into the ’26 campaign. Earning a third consecutive Cy Young in 2026 will be a challenge given his current injury absence, but it is not out of the question if he ends up only missing four weeks.

Regardless of whether or not he wins the award, Skubal should be able to return in plenty of time to help the Tigers contend for a postseason spot. So far in 2026, the southpaw has pitched to a 2.70 ERA across seven starts.

Meanwhile, the Tigers are 18-20 and in second place in the American League Central standings. Detroit is currently one game behind the Cleveland Guardians for first place in the division.

Detroit has an off day on Thursday. The Tigers will return to action on Friday to begin a three-game series against the Royals in Kansas City. Friday night’s first pitch is scheduled for 7:40 PM EST in Kansas City.

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