Tigers star Tarik Skubal to undergo surgery on left elbow

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal. Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Tigers star Tarik Skubal to undergo surgery on left elbow

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated May 4, 2026 4:56 PM ET

The Detroit Tigers have received some unfortunate news with ace Tarik Skubal. He is set to undergo surgery to remove loose bodies in his left elbow, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

The recovery time will likely have him sidelined for about two to three months. The two-time reigning AL Cy Young winner is expected to be back before the end of the season.

How Tarik Skubal's injury impacts Tigers, his future

This is a tough break for Skubal, who had a strong start to his season with a 3-2 record, a 2.70 ERA, and a 0.95 WHIP across seven games. The Tigers are tied for first in the AL Central with an 18-17 record.

They will now be without their best starter, which places more pressure on the rest of the rotation. The top end of the Tigers' rotation, Framber Valdez and Jack Flaherty, will have to step up as the rotation has suffered other injuries, including to Justin Verlander, Casey Mize and Reese Olson.

Detroit ace Tarik Skubal will undergo surgery to remove loose bodies in his left elbow. Such procedures typically sideline players for 2-3 months. Skubal should return before season's end, but a tough blow for the impending free agent and two-time reigning AL Cy Young winner.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 4, 2026

But the injury also weighs on his impending free agency, which could possibly impact his future contract offers.

Skubal was on a strong pace to be the top free agent of the 2026 offseason, projected to earn in the $400M+ range. The injury could influence teams to give him lower offers.

Teams will also be evaluating how his performance will be upon return. If he's able to pitch like his dominant self, then offers may not be affected.

With the 29-year-old landing on the 15-day IL, the Tigers have recalled pitcher Ty Madden from Triple-A Toledo.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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