Reigning Cy Young Award winner to undergo surgery, raising trade possibilities
Tarik Skubal will undergo surgery to remove loose bodies in his left elbow, a major setback for the two-time American League Cy Young Award winner, according to multiple reports May 4. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, Skubal’s return could be measured in months, not days or weeks. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, who was the first to report the Tigers were scratching Skubal from his next scheduled start, there is no set timetable for his recovery.
By all accounts, Skubal should return the end of the 2026 season. For the Tigers, it’s a tough setback considering how important the left-hander is to their starting rotation — and raises the possibility they will trade for pitching help. MORE: 9-year MLB veteran tested positive for steroids in March Skubal is one of the best pitchers in MLB .
Last season he went 13-6 with an American League-leading 2. 21 ERA. He posted a microscopic .
891 WHIP across 31 starts to claim his second consecutive Cy Young Award, given to the top pitcher in each league. At 29, Skubal is set to become a free agent at the end of this season. In his first seven starts of 2026, he was 3-2 with a 2.
70 ERA, averaging more than a strikeout per inning. Now, the Tigers will try to get back to the postseason for a third consecutive season with their best pitcher — and essentially a full starting rotation — on the injured list. MORE: Mike Trout, Tiger Woods announcement polarizes fans In addition to Skubal, the Tigers have lost Justin Verlander (hip), Reese Olson (shoulder), Casey Mize (groin) and Jackson Jobe (Tommy John surgery) to various injuries.