Detroit Tigers’ standout and two-time Cy Young Award recipient, Tarik Skubal, is set to undergo elbow surgery, as announced by manager A.J. Hinch before Monday’s matchup. Skubal has been diagnosed with loose bodies in his elbow, necessitating a surgical procedure to remove them. The team has yet to disclose a potential timeline for his return to the mound this season.
The 29-year-old lefty has compiled a 3-2 record with a sparkling 2.70 ERA, a 0.95 WHIP, and 45 strikeouts against just six walks over 43 ⅓ innings in the current campaign. As he approaches free agency at the end of this season, Skubal is expected to command a lucrative contract, potentially breaking records. Over the past four seasons, he boasts a 41-15 record, a stellar 2.41 ERA, and has amassed 616 strikeouts across 511 innings, earning the distinction of being the first American League pitcher in decades to secure consecutive Cy Young titles.
Skubal’s absence is undeniably a significant setback for the Tigers. Widely considered one of the premier pitchers globally, his impact has been pivotal in Detroit’s consecutive playoff appearances, though they have not reached the ALCS since 2013. Currently, the Tigers are sitting at an 18-17 record, tied for the top spot in the AL Central division.
With Skubal joining Garrett Crochet and Hunter Brown on the injured list, the top three finishers from last season’s AL Cy Young voting are now sidelined.
Stay tuned to CBS Sports for further updates on this developing story.
