Tarik Skubal to Undergo Elbow Surgery in Major Blow to Tigers

The Detroit Tigers were preparing to hand the ball to their ace Monday night.

Instead, they were forced to deliver the kind of news that can shift an entire season.

Tarik Skubal has been scratched from his scheduled start, placed on the injured list, and will undergo surgery on his left elbow, according to manager A.J. Hinch. The procedure will address loose bodies in the elbow, and there is currently no timetable for his return.

Tarik Skubal injury update

Tarik Skubal Injury Update Shakes Tigers Rotation

The Tarik Skubal injury update comes as a stunning turn after what initially appeared to be a minor scare just days ago.

Skubal had been expected to start the series opener against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park, but those plans changed quickly as the Tigers gathered more information about his condition. The decision to move forward with surgery signals a more serious issue than originally believed.

For Detroit, it means losing its most reliable starter without a clear timeline for when he might return.

What Skubal’s Absence Means for Detroit

The impact of this Tarik Skubal injury update cannot be overstated.

Skubal has been the anchor of the Tigers rotation, consistently setting the tone every fifth day. Through his first seven starts of the 2026 season, he posted a 2.70 ERA with three wins and 45 strikeouts across 43.1 innings.

Beyond the numbers, his presence brings stability and confidence to the entire pitching staff.

Without him, the Tigers will need to reshuffle their rotation and lean more heavily on depth pieces to cover innings. That kind of adjustment is never easy, especially for a team trying to stay competitive in a tight division race.