Detroit Tigers ace and two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, Tarik Skubal, is set for arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow to address loose bodies. The procedure, announced by manager A.J. Hinch on Monday, casts uncertainty over Skubal's return to the mound for the club, which currently holds an 18-18 record, second in the AL Central.
The surgery comes after Skubal experienced pain in his elbow on Sunday, necessitating a withdrawal from his scheduled start against the Boston Red Sox. While Skubal reportedly felt pain and a subsequent "lock-up" sensation in his elbow, he initially continued pitching after a visit from Hinch and a trainer, even striking out the side in his final inning of work during a prior outing against the Atlanta Braves. Medical tests revealed the presence of loose bodies requiring surgical removal.
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A Lingering Issue
Reports indicate Skubal has been managing this elbow discomfort "off and on all year." The injury scare is not entirely new; he also experienced a moment of concern last week against the Braves, where he felt pain and was checked on by team personnel but remained in the game. This latest flare-up, however, has led to the decision for surgery.
Impact on the Tigers
Skubal's absence represents a significant blow to a Tigers team with playoff aspirations. The exact duration of his recovery remains unknown, with no definitive timetable provided for his potential return this season. This uncertainty, particularly with Skubal heading towards free agency, adds another layer of complexity to the team's outlook.
Background
This is not Skubal's first brush with elbow issues; he previously underwent Tommy John surgery during his sophomore year at the University of Seattle. His current season statistics show a 3-2 record with a 2.70 earned-run average over seven starts, amassing 45 strikeouts in 43 1/3 innings pitched.
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