Elbow surgery for Skubal

DETROIT, MI - MAY 02: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers looks on from the dugout during the game against the Texas Rangers at Comerica Park on May 2, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Rangers 5-1. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal will be undergoing surgery to remove loose bodies from his left elbow, it was announced today.

Skubal, 29, won the American League Cy Young Award in both 2024 and 2025, having led the league in ERA both seasons. He has a 2. 70 ERA in 43.

1 innings over seven starts so far this year. He is pitching on a one year deal for a record-setting $32 million salary that he won in arbitration this past offseason, and is seen as far and away the top player expected to hit the free agent market this offseason. There is no indication as of yet in regards to how long Skubal is expected to be out.

He previously underwent Tommy John surgery while a sophomore at the University of Seattle, and also had flexor tendon surgery on his elbow at the end of the 2022 season, which kept him out the first half of 2023. The Tigers are currently tied for first place in the American League Central with an 18-17 record, having taken two of three against the Texas Rangers this past week. The Tigers already have starting pitchers Casey Mize and Justin Verlander on the injured list.