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Tarik Skubal surgery complete, but no timeline for return to Tigers
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- Tarik Skubal surgery complete, but no timeline for return to Tigers
KANSAS CITY, MO – Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal is on the road to recovery from left elbow surgery.
The reigning two-time American League Cy Young winner underwent surgery Wednesday, May 6, to remove one loose body – a bone chip – from his left elbow .
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The arthroscopic procedure was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles .
"I know there's a lot of attention around Tarik and the procedure," manager A.J. Hinch said before Friday's opener of a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. "All reports are positive and optimistic."
DOC TALKS: Doctor explains Tarik Skubal return to Tigers from surgery
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) takes the field for first inning against Milwaukee Brewers at Comerica Park in Detroit on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
When will Skubal return?
A doctor who didn't operate on Skubal suggested anywhere between six weeks and six months , but the Tigers won't set a timeline for his return until he starts throwing, which won't happen until the incisions heal.
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"Everyone is going to want to talk about a timeline," Hinch said. "Everyone is racing to a lot of people that are throwing out timelines. The reality is, the most important step for him is the one that's right in front of him."
The 29-year-old will begin his rehabilitation in Lakeland, Florida, home of the Tigers' spring training complex. Everyone will know more about the plan for his return-to-play schedule once he throws for the first time.
When will that be?
"He will not resume throwing in the next few days," Hinch said. "I don't know when that day is going to be, but that next step of rehab is the one that we're going to focus on – not some random date in the future that simply would be a guess at this point."
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There is no other structural damage in Skubal's left elbow.
"That sets him on the road to rehab, which is next," Hinch said. "I don't know what that means."
Skubal is set to become a free agent in November 2026.
This story will be updated.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold .
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers Tarik Skubal surgery done; no return timeline yet
