Tarik Skubal Needs Elbow Surgery: When Will He Return?

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Tarik Skubal needs elbow surgery. Skubal has been scratched from his upcoming start and placed on the injured list, Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch announced before Monday’s game against the Boston Red Sox. The back-to-back Cy Young Award winner will undergo surgery to remove loose bodies in his left elbow.

Skubal experienced an injury scare in the seventh inning of his last start after shaking his left arm, removing his glove, and rubbing his left elbow. Skubal stayed in the game and seemed to be in a good spot to make his next start. Now, the Tigers’ starting pitcher needs surgery.

When will Tarik Skubal return to the Detroit Tigers after surgery?

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This is a brutal blow for Detroit, which has been decimated with injuries to start the 2026 MLB season. Now, Skubal, who was among the favorites to win the 2026 American League Cy Young Award, is heading to the injured list. So, when will Skubal return to the Tigers after his elbow surgery?

These procedures typically sideline pitchers for two to three months, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Therefore, Skubal would return by early July or August, giving him time before the 2026 MLB Postseason. This shouldn’t put Skubal out for the rest of the 2026 MLB season, but it will end his bid for a third Cy Young Award.