Another Huge Update on Tarik Skubal's Remarkable Recovery

Less than two weeks after undergoing elbow surgery, two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal was back on the mound throwing another full bullpen session at Comerica Park, making his return timeline much earlier than previously believed.

Postscript: The bullpen session went well, by all indications.

If Skubal continues progressing at this pace, he could return on the early end of the projected timeline following surgery. @MLBNetwork https://t.co/0oF60DZhB7
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) May 21, 2026

Insider Jon Morosi tells us that Skubal is pioneering a new nano-procedure that removed a loose body in his elbow. Being on a mound is another huge step to getting closer to game conditions.

The initial two-to-three-month recovery time that was projected when he went down seemed to tank any chances the Tigers had of returning to the playoff chase this season. But now, he could return in well under two months.

Skubal is likely in his final season with the Tigers, as he's set to become a free agent after the season, and will command a contract likely in the $400 million range—assuming he recovers well from this.

He has won the last two Cy Young awards in the AL, and this season had started with a 2.70 ERA, a 0.94 WHIP, and a 45:6 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 43 innings.

The Tigers are currently in third place in the AL Central at 23-27, 5.5 games back of the first-place Cleveland Guardians.