The Detroit Tigers got the boost they desperately needed. Manager A.J. Hinch announced that ace Tarik Skubal is returning from the injured list and will start Saturday against the Cleveland Guardians.
That’s huge news for a Tigers team that’s been struggling at 28-40 but has started to find some life lately. They’re 6-2 in June and haven’t lost a series yet this month.
Skubal’s been out for over a month after having loose bodies removed from his left elbow following his April 29 start. Underdog MLB shared Hinch’s announcement that the back-to-back Cy Young winner is ready to return.
The timing couldn’t be better. Detroit’s trying to stay competitive enough to avoid becoming sellers at the August 3 trade deadline – and that would likely mean dealing Skubal if they fall too far out of contention.
Before the injury, Skubal was dealing. He posted a 2.70 ERA with a 3-2 record, striking out 45 batters and maintaining a 0.95 WHIP across 43.1 innings.
Sure, a third straight Cy Young is probably off the table given the time he’s missed. But Skubal can still be the difference between the Tigers making a push and watching their best players get shipped out this summer.
For a pitcher coming back from elbow surgery in just over a month, it’s a pretty quick return. The Tigers are clearly banking on their ace to help turn around what’s been a disappointing season so far.
