Key facts
- Tarik Skubal, a two-time Cy Young winner, will return to the Detroit Tigers' starting rotation on Saturday.
- Skubal is scheduled to pitch against the Cleveland Guardians.
- He underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow approximately five weeks ago.
- Skubal made one rehab start, allowing two hits over five shutout innings for the High-A West Michigan Whitecaps.
- Manager A.J. Hinch indicated that right-hander Casey Mize might return Sunday.
Two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal is set to rejoin the Detroit Tigers' starting rotation on Saturday against the Cleveland Guardians. Manager A.J. Hinch announced the news Thursday, stating that Skubal's return is ahead of the initial timeline following arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow.
Skubal underwent the procedure nearly five weeks ago to remove loose bodies from his elbow. He has since made one rehab start for Detroit's High-A affiliate, allowing two hits over five shutout innings and throwing 64 pitches. Prior to his injury, Skubal had a 3-2 record with a 2.70 ERA in seven starts for the Tigers.
Manager Hinch also indicated that right-hander Casey Mize could potentially return to the lineup on Sunday, contingent on completing another bullpen session. The Tigers have won six of their past seven games and currently hold a 28-39 record, trailing the first-place Guardians by eight games in the AL Central.
The Guardians and Tigers begin a three-game series on Friday, with Cleveland holding a 4-0 advantage in the season series. Tanner Bibee is scheduled to pitch for Cleveland against Jack Flaherty for Detroit.