Massive blow to the Tigers: Tarik Skubal to have elbow surgery

The Detroit Tigers were the preseason favorites to win the AL Central Division and reach the postseason for the third straight year. That, however, has taken a big hit today, as it's been announced that two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal will be undergoing elbow surgery.

Breaking: Detroit ace and two-time reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal will undergo surgery to remove loose bodies in his left elbow, manager A.J. Hinch said.

Hinch did not give a timetable for Skubal's return, but procedures typically sideline players for two to… pic.twitter.com/FkqmYf8Stx
— ESPN (@espn) May 4, 2026

The surgery will be to remove loose bodies in Skubal's left elbow, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. And although he didn't give a timetable for Skubal's return, an ESPN report indiciates that procedures like these typically sideline players for two to three months.

Skubal is in his contract year, set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season. The timing for him couldn't be worse. And for the Tigers? This unfortunate development means they have only about two months left with him, as they will undoubtedly not be able to sign him on the open market.

more to come...