Tarik Skubal headed to the injured list for an elbow procedure
It’s not Tommy John surgery, but it sounds like Skubal will need a scope to clear bone chips from his left elbow.
Apr 29, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) talks to catcher Dillon Dingler (13) against the Atlanta Braves in the seventh inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images During Detroit Tigers’ ace, Tarik Skubal’s last outing, there was momentary concern as the pitcher shook out his left arm on several occasions. His velocity and command didn’t appear to be impacted and Skubal didn’t think there was anything really wrong.
Unfortunately, as A. J. Hinch told reporters minutes ago, loose bodies were found in his left elbow after the arm locked up on him during last night’s game.
He’ll presumably need athroscopic surgery to clean out the elbow joint, putting him on the injured list. Right-hander Ty Madden has been recalled from Triple-A Toledo to follow opener Tyler Holton for Monday night’s contest against the Boston Red Sox. Skubal appears headed to the 15-day injured list for now, but that could change.
This type of issue is fairly common. Over time bone chips in the elbow joint floating loose can cause wear to the UCL, and that would be the worst case scenario. Skubal had Tommy John surgery as a freshman in college, and then flexor tendon surgery in 2022.