Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, the two-time defending American League Cy Young Award winner, is scheduled for arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow to remove loose bodies, manager A.J. Hinch announced Monday. The procedure is expected to sideline the left-hander for two to three months.
Hinch called it an "easy process and procedure," but the timing is a significant blow to both the Tigers and Skubal, who is approaching free agency.
Skubal's arm locked up during a bullpen session Sunday, just before his scheduled start against the Boston Red Sox. In his most recent outing-a 4-3 win over the Atlanta Braves last Wednesday-he allowed two runs over seven innings but was seen rubbing his arm, prompting a mound visit from Hinch and a trainer. Skubal remained in the game after a warm-up pitch and pitched through the issue.
The Tigers have recalled Ty Madden and will use Tyler Holton as an opener for Monday night's game. Skubal joins fellow starters Casey Mize and Justin Verlander on the injured list, leaving Framber Valdez and Jack Flaherty as the only healthy starters.
The surgery comes at a critical juncture for Skubal, who won a record-breaking $32 million arbitration case this offseason. With no long-term deal in place, he is expected to be one of the top free agents available after the season-barring a late agreement with Detroit. Teams will closely monitor his recovery.