Detroit Tigers Ace Tarik Skubal Begins Throwing Program Just Days After Elbow Surgery

Two weeks after undergoing elbow surgery, Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal started a daily throwing program, lightly tossing with a teammate. Manager A.J. Hinch said the activity moves Skubal into the next phase of rehabilitation and signals that the pitcher “feels great.” The team plans to keep him in catch work until he can progress to bullpen sessions.

ESPNSports IllustratedAssociated PressTarik Skubal elbow injury update should fire up Tigers fansTigers' Hinch: Skubal 'feels great' after beginning throwing programHeavyBleacher Report

Skubal was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 4 after experiencing irritation in his start against Atlanta on April 29. On May 6 he had an arthroscopic procedure to remove a loose body from his pitching elbow. The operation employed a NanoScope device—referred to by his agent Scott Boras as the “Skubal Scope”—which is thinner than standard tools and is touted for reducing tissue trauma. Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the surgery, marking Skubal as the first high-profile MLB pitcher to receive this technique.

ESPN

Sources differ on the expected return window. Traditional arthroscopy for similar injuries usually requires two to three months of rehab. Some outlets cite a “four-to-six-week” estimate, while others suggest a possible “six-week” or “one-month” comeback. ESPN’s Buster Olney noted “hope … that Skubal could be back in a month,” whereas Jon Heyman reported a “barely a week out” status with a “six-week” timeline still viable. The variance reflects both the novelty of the NanoScope and the team’s cautious monitoring.

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Before his injury, Skubal posted a 3-2 record, 2.70 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 45 strikeouts and six walks over 43  1/3 innings, earning a 1.6 WAR. He is under a $32 million salary for 2026 and will become a free agent after the season. Insider reports suggest he could command a contract approaching $400 million, potentially setting a new record for a starting pitcher.

Tarik Skubal elbow injury update should fire up Tigers fans

Hinch emphasized daily communication with Skubal and the medical staff, confirming adherence to a “step-by-step” protocol. Boras highlighted that the NanoScope’s reduced invasiveness should shorten the recovery period and lessen the workload needed to regain game readiness. The organization has not set a firm return date, opting instead to let the pitcher “clear any swelling” before advancing to full baseball work.

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Executives from other MLB clubs are watching Skubal’s progress closely, evaluating whether the NanoScope could become a viable option for pitchers with comparable elbow issues. The outcome may influence future medical strategies across the league.

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Detroit sits tied for fourth in the AL Central (19-25) and has lost eight of its last nine games. Skubal’s return could improve the rotation’s stability and bolster the Tigers’ push for a wild-card spot. A strong finish would also enhance his leverage in free-agency negotiations, whether with Detroit or another franchise.

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Skubal will continue his throwing program, aim for bullpen work, and potentially receive a rehab assignment before rejoining the rotation. The team expects to reassess his status weekly, with a tentative target of a 4-6-week return, though the exact timeline remains uncertain.

ESPN

• “Tarik has started his throwing program, which is significant news just that it's increased his rehab progression to the next phase, which is really exciting,” — A.J. Hinch, Tigers manager

ESPN

• “He obviously feels great,” — A.J. Hinch

Associated Press

• “Tarik Skubal is already playing catch, barely a week out of elbow surgery.” — Jon Heyman, New York Post

Tarik Skubal elbow injury update should fire up Tigers fans

• “there is hope in the Tigers clubhouse that Skubal could be back in a month.” — Buster Olney, ESPN

Bleacher Report

• “Heyman previously reported that the ace could be eying a $400 million deal this winter.” — Jon Heyman, MLB insider

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