Tigers’ slump fuels trade speculation as Skubal returns to mound

Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal has resumed throwing all pitches during a bullpen session, marking a significant step in his recovery from elbow surgery. The procedure, which involved the removal of loose bodies from the joint, has sidelined the reigning AL Cy Young winner since April 29. While the physical progression is evident, General Manager Scott Harris faces a complex timeline for Skubal’s return, with no specific date established for his reintegration into the rotation.

The medical uncertainty stems from the experimental nature of the intervention. Jordan Shusterman of the "Baseball Bar-B-Cast" podcast noted that the team is navigating uncharted territory with the revolutionary procedure, making it impossible to calendar a definitive return. Shusterman suggested that Skubal would likely require a structured process of building his workload, potentially utilising minor league affiliates such as Toledo or West Michigan for rehab starts.

Conversely, co-host Jake Mintz argued that Skubal would likely bypass minor league assignments entirely. Mintz indicated that the pitcher would prefer to throw directly on a major-league mound, such as Comerica Park, rather than participating in lower-level rehabilitation games. This divergence in opinion highlights the strategic debate surrounding how to manage the team’s most valuable asset during his recovery.

The discussion of Skubal’s future is inextricably linked to Detroit’s on-field performance. Since the pitcher’s injury, the Tigers have plummeted from first place in the AL Central to fourth, sitting nine games below .500. The club has posted a 10-20 record over their last 30 games, a stretch that includes dropping the first two matches of their series against the Cleveland Guardians at home. Shusterman described the team as "essentially the worst in baseball" during this period, with only the Angels performing worse.

While the hosts maintain that a trade remains unlikely, the probability has increased significantly compared to late April. Mintz acknowledged that the combination of poor play, offensive struggles, and additional pitching injuries has pushed the likelihood of a transaction up from under 5% to a more tangible possibility. As the trade deadline approaches, Scott Harris may receive offers for Skubal, contingent largely on the team’s playoff odds and the pitcher’s health status at that juncture.