Tarik Skubal to Undergo Elbow Surgery, Out At Least Two Months

Tarik Skubal is set to be out a while.

ESPN's Jeff Passan is reporting the Detroit Tigers' ace will undergo surgery to remove loose bodies in his left elbow. The typical recovery time for that type of surgery is two to three months. It's a major blow to Detroit, but also to the two-time reigning American League Cy Young winner, who will become a free agent after the season. The 29-year-old was expected to garner the largest contract ever given to a pitcher, but that will now be totally dependent on his health.

Skubal had begun the season 3-2 with a 2.70 ERA, a 0.95 WHIP, and 45 strikeouts against six walks in 43 1/3 innings. He'll join Casey Mize and Justin Verlander as Tigers starters on the IL.

Detroit is 18-17 and sits in first place in the AL Central, but will need to make do without their ace for the next few months.

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Tarik Skubal to Undergo Elbow Surgery, Out At Least Two Months.

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This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 2:42 PM.