Tarik Skubal's imminent return won't be enough to save Tigers season

The Detroit Tigers were in a decent place heading into May 4.

The Tigers had an 18-17 record entering the day, good enough to lead the AL Central despite a slew of injuries. Pitcher Tarik Skubal was continuing to dominate, posting a 2.70 ERA and a 0.946 WHIP over his 43.1 innings, striking out 45 batters with six walks. He appeared to be on his way to a third consecutive Cy Young award given his start to the season.

Everything fell apart shortly thereafter. Skubal was scratched from his start on May 4 and underwent a procedure to remove loose bodies from his left elbow. Injuries and losses continued to pile up as the Tigers have gone 4-18 since Skubal missed that start and are now tied with the Angels for the worst record in the AL (22-36).

Detroit Tigers getting pieces back but it may be too late

Skubal may not be out for much longer. He threw 39 pitches in a simulated game on Tuesday and is set to throw another simulated game on Monday. Evan Woodberry of MLive.com reported that Skubal will then have another simulated game on June 7 and could begin a rehab assignment the following week. He could potentially return by mid-June.