Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal could return earlier than expected, agent says
The Tigers haven't specified a timetable for Tarik Skubal's return from surgery, but the ace's agent says he could be back sooner than expected.
While the Tigers didn't specify a timeline for Tarik Skubal's return from surgery last week to remove loose bodies from his elbow, his agent Scott Boras says he'll be back sooner than expected. This type of procedure normally requires a recovery time of two to three months. But Boras said in an appearance on ESPN's "Baseball Tonight" podcast that the procedure, performed by legendary orthopedic surgeon Dr.
Neal ElAttrache, used a NanoScope, making it less invasive. "This is really almost like receiving a shot," Boras said, noting the left-handed ace won't need to start from scratch in building his arm strength back up after the procedure. Boras believes that will move up his return timeline.
"We think that's going to be a much shorter period (of rehabilitation)," Boras said. "And he'll be able to return to performance at just a much, much earlier stage. " Skubal, 29, is the two-time defending American League Cy Young Award winner.
He has a 2. 70 ERA and 3-2 record in seven starts this season, his last before he's a free agent this upcoming offseason. Skubal has a 57-39 record, 3.