Tarik Skubal back on mound after elbow surgery, June return possible
Tarik Skubal, the Detroit Tigers' two-time AL Cy Young winner, is back on the mound less than two weeks after elbow surgery.
They weren’t kidding around about Tarik Skubal ’s accelerated rehabilitation timeline. Less than two weeks after having surgery to remove a loose body from his left elbow, the two-time defending American League Cy Young Award winner was back on a mound Monday, May 17 at Comerica Park. Unfortunately for the struggling Detroit Tigers it was the bullpen mound, but it does make a June return seem possible.
It’s a rare ray of hope for the Tigers, who have gone 2-10 since Skubal went on the injured list May 4. Skubal threw long toss in the outfield before rain forced him inside for a bullpen session, according to reports. It was his second mound session since surgery.
He is beginning his return to a five-day schedule of throwing. MLB POWER RANKINGS: Phillies are so back after firing manager for horrid start On May 6, Skubal underwent a Nanoscope procedure, a less invasive method than traditional arthroscopic surgery. The Tigers had hoped this would fast-track his return.
So far, it appears to be doing that, but manager A. J. Hinch refuses to be pinned down on a timeline.