Tigers’ Tarik Skubal was so good in rehab start he needed to return to bullpen for more

As Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal works his way back from elbow surgery, he made a rehab start with High-A West Michigan on Sunday. But those five innings didn’t give Skubal enough time to work with.

Only throwing 54 pitches, the back-to-back Cy Young winner wanted some extra work. Which is why he went to the bullpen after his start to throw some extra pitches, via Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic.

Overall, Skubal two hits, no runs or walks over his five innings, striking out six. His fastball topped out at 99 MPH. Seeing as he still had some gas left in the tank to throw a mini bullpen session, the Tigers have to be pleased with Sunday’s start.

Still, Detroit will be cautious with their ace. His next move amid his rehab assignment isn’t yet known. The Tigers want him back in the majors as soon as possible. But the last thing they want to risk is re-injury.

When Skubal does make that return, he’ll be trying to build off of the 2.70 ERA and 45/6 K/BB ratio he registered over his first seven starts of 2026. Of course, he’ll also be trying to live up to his back-to-back Cy Young name.

The biggest question surrounding Skubal is where he will be pitching at the end of the season. He’ll remain the hottest commodity deemed available leading up to the trade deadline. But to be moved, any acquiring team would like to see him pitch in the majors again.

Based on his latest rehab start, they may get their wish in the foreseeable future.

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