Detroit’s season faces a major threat as their Cy Young winner heads to surgery, leaving an injury-riddled rotation scrambling to maintain a winning record without their star.
The pitching depth for the Detroit Tigers has taken a massive hit with ace Tarik Skubal set to undergo surgery that may sideline him his multiple months.
For more on the injury and its impact on the team’s pitching rotation, Tigers Roundtable writer Rogelio Castillo has an in-depth look.
The Detroit injury list is heavily populated, with pitchers Casey Maze, Justin Verlander and Troy Melton all out. Meanwhile, a number of additional arms from lower levels remain unavailable as well.
The most recent loss of, the back-to-back AL Cy Young Award winner, comes as the Tigers are tied atop the AL Central division at 18-17 along with the Cleveland Guardians and hold just a 1.5 game lead over the Chicago White Sox.
Skubal’s upcoming surgery is connected to loose bodies in the pitcher’s left elbow. The timeline for return is uncertain but is expected to take two to three months.
The lefty appeared to begin feeling discomfort during his most recent appearance on Wednesday, April 29 against the Atlanta Braves. After throwing a pitch, he could be seen shaking his arm loose before calling catcher Dillon Dingler to the mound, who was quickly accompanied by a trainer.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch announced the development before Monday’s game against the Boston Red Sox.
With the Tigers’ bullpen increasingly short-handed, their battle to stay above .500 will be tenuous at best.
Skubal was off to a 3-2 start to the season with a 2.70 ERA, 45 strikeouts and a 0.95 WHP in 43.5 innings pitched.
Following this season, the star ace is set to hit the open market. His return from this surgery will be consequential for his future considerations.