Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal will undergo surgery and is out for an undetermined amount of time due to loose bodies in his left elbow. He has been placed on the injured list.
Key points
Tarik Skubal needs surgery on his left elbow
He is placed on the injured list
Skubal was injured during a game against the Atlanta Braves
Manager A.J. Hinch announced the news
Detroit TigersTarik SkubalBoston Red SoxAtlanta Braves
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch revealed before Monday night's game against the Boston Red Sox that Skubal, 29, will need surgery and be put on the injured list.
During the seventh inning of his last start, April 29 against the Atlanta Braves, the two-time reigning AL Cy Young winner called time, shook his left arm and rubbed his left elbow as Hinch and assistant athletic trainer Kelly Rhoades bounded out of the dugout.
After a brief conversation and one warmup pitch, Skubal remained in the game.
The Athletics Lawrence Butler is tagged out by Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas as he tires to extend his double into a triple during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 18, 2026.
Cleveland Guardians mascot Slider interacts with fans during game against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field on April 17, 2026.
Q&A
How long will Tarik Skubal be out after his surgery?
The exact duration of Tarik Skubal's absence is currently undetermined.
What injury did Tarik Skubal sustain?
Tarik Skubal has loose bodies in his left elbow, which will require surgery.
When did Tarik Skubal last pitch before being injured?
Tarik Skubal last pitched on April 29 against the Atlanta Braves.
Who is the manager of the Detroit Tigers?
The manager of the Detroit Tigers is A.J. Hinch.
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When asked about the incident by reporters, Skubal was reluctant to share any further details.
"I don't really know," Skubal said before Sunday's game, according to the Detroit Free Press. "You've heard the word 'zinger,' I guess, but it wasn't really like a nerve thing, so I don't know."
Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal made 31 starts each of the past two seasons and won the AL Cy Young award in both 2024 and 2025.
Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal made 31 starts each of the past two seasons and won the AL Cy Young award in both 2024 and 2025.
Skubal has been the best pitcher in baseball over the past two seasons.
He won his first Cy Young award in 2024 when he posted a major league-leading 18-4 record with 228 strikeouts and a 2.39 ERA.
He followed that up with another Cy Young-winning campaign, going 13-6 with a 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts. He was named an All-Star both seasons and led the Tigers to the playoffs both times.
Skubal, who will be a free agent at the end of this season, is currently 3-2 with a 2.70 ERA in seven starts.
