Tigers assign Skubal to High-A for elbow surgery rehab
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal is set to make his first live-game appearance since elbow surgery during a rehab assignment with High-A West Michigan on Sunday.
The Detroit Tigers have initiated the next phase of pitcher Tarik Skubal’s recovery by assigning him to a rehab stint with High-A West Michigan. The move marks Skubal’s first live-game action since undergoing surgery to remove loose bodies from his left elbow, according to reporting by Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic.
Skubal is scheduled to pitch against the Dayton Dragons, the Cincinnati Reds’ High-A affiliate, on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The decision to place him with the High-A affiliate rather than Triple-A was driven by weather concerns, ensuring the assignment can proceed as planned.
This development occurs against the backdrop of a difficult campaign for the Tigers, who currently hold a 25-38 record. The team’s performance has placed them in contention to become sellers at the upcoming trade deadline, making Skubal’s return a significant variable for the franchise’s remaining season.
The rehab assignment serves as the starting point for Skubal’s reintegration into the major league roster. If his recovery remains on track, the timeline suggests he could be available for MLB duty within approximately one month.
Skubal’s presence on the mound will provide a stark contrast to the opposing lineup, as he faces one of the most challenging pitching assignments of the season for the Dayton Dragons’ hitters. For the Tigers, this step represents a critical opportunity to bolster their rotation as they navigate the second half of the season.
