Tarik Skubal Injury Update, Latest on Tigers Star's Rehab, Timeline For Return from Elbow Surgery

Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is making some impressive progress in his recovery from elbow surgery.

ESPN's Buster Olney reported that Skubal has "started playing catch, lightly tossing," just two weeks after undergoing a procedure to remove a bone chip from his elbow. Olney added that "there is hope in the Tigers clubhouse that Skubal could be back in a month."

The surgery that Skubal underwent typically requires two to three months of recovery and rehabilitation. Olney noted that the two-time reigning AL Cy Young Award winner "is believed to be the first major league pitcher to have this kind of surgery with a NanoScope, which is designed to reduce the invasive nature of the procedure." The tool used reportedly allows for less recovery time and preparation to return to play.

Skubal started this season with a 3-2 record, a 2.70 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 43.1 innings pitched. He's set to become a free agent at the end of the year, and he was expected to be in line for a potential record-breaking contract this offseason had he been healthy. A quick return could put him back on track to break the bank this winter.

The Tigers have been reeling in the wake of multiple injuries to key players. Detroit has lost eight of its last nine games, falling into a tie with the Kansas City Royals for the worst record in the AL Central at 19-25.

The Tigers will open a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays (19-24) on Friday night.