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Tigers' Skubal Out May 4, Surgery Delays $400 M Pitcher

5/5/2026

Summary

Skubal Surgery

Tarik Skubal will undergo arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies from his left elbow, missing his start on May 4, 2026 after reporting discomfort on Sunday.
Doctors project a two- to three-month recovery that could allow Skubal to return before the season ends.
Tyler Holton will start Monday while the Tigers, tied for first in the AL Central at 18-17, lack a rotation piece as Skubal seeks a $400 million free-agent contract.

Summary

Tigers Trade Talk

The Tigers' front office may explore trade options at the July deadline now that Skubal is sidelined.
The Tigers' injury list now includes 14 major-league players, among them starters Casey Mize and Justin Verlander.
Right-hander Ty Madden was promoted from Triple-A Toledo to fill a rotation spot after Skubal’s removal.
DraftKings removed Skubal from its odds board, ending his status as a +250 Cy Young favorite.

Summary

Pitchers' Arthroscopy

Loose bodies—tiny bone or cartilage fragments—are common among pitchers, often asymptomatic until they cause pain or locking.
They often develop from repetitive pitching stress, arthritis, or trauma and are removed arthroscopically.
Recovery typically lasts two to three months before full-strength pitching, though light activity may resume in a few weeks.
The procedure does not include ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, unlike Tommy John surgery, making it less invasive.

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Skubal Surgery

Tarik Skubal will undergo arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies from his left elbow, missing his start on May 4, 2026 after reporting discomfort on Sunday.
Doctors project a two- to three-month recovery that could allow Skubal to return before the season ends.
Tyler Holton will start Monday while the Tigers, tied for first in the AL Central at 18-17, lack a rotation piece as Skubal seeks a $400 million free-agent contract.

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