Tarik Skubal Injury, Latest News on Tigers Star's Elbow and Return Timeline After Surgery Decision

The Detroit Tigers will be without their ace for the foreseeable future.

Per ESPN's Jeff Passan, Tigers starting pitcher and back-to-back reigning AL Cy Young Award winner will undergo surgery to remove loose bodies in his left elbow. Passan noted that this type of procedure typically requires two to three months of recovery, so Skubal "should return before season's end."

MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported earlier that the Tigers scratched Skubal from his scheduled start against the Boston Red Sox on Monday. The decision was reportedly "a precautionary move" after Skubal appeared to experience some discomfort in his left arm during his last start against the Atlanta Braves.

Skubal is arguably the best pitcher in the majors, but he raised some eyebrows when he left the World Baseball Classic after making just one start to focus on preparing for the 2026 season with the Tigers. The 29-year-old obviously was hoping to avoid sustaining a major injury in a contract year before becoming a free agent next offseason, when he would've been in line for a massive payday.

Through his seven starts this year, Skubal has looked like his usual self, going 3-2 with a 2.70 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 43.1 innings pitched. The Tigers are tied with the Cleveland Guardians for first in the AL Central with an 18-17 record.

Losing Skubal is a major blow to a Detroit team that is looking to build off the momentum of back-to-back playoff appearances. The Tigers will try to stay afloat until he can return toward the end of the year, but it won't be easy in the competitive American League.