Tarik Skubal

Positive development: Skubal made his first rehab start Sunday (5 IP, 2 H, 0 BB, 6 K) following his May 7 minimally invasive elbow procedure. The Tigers are evaluating whether one rehab outing is sufficient before activation, putting a mid-June return in play. He's been eligible since June 6 and could be reinstated within the week.

Underwent a NanoScope arthroscopic procedure to remove a loose body in his left elbow. Threw an excellent 64-pitch simulated game June 1 — 6 K, 10 swings and misses. A second sim game is targeted for June 7, a minor league rehab start the weekend of June 13-14, and an MLB return targeting June 12-15 in Cleveland. Recovery is tracking ahead of schedule.

Recovering from NanoScope elbow procedure (loose body removal, early April). Threw a 64-pitch bullpen June 1 and felt great; Jon Heyman reports an MLB return approximately two weeks out. Rehab start at Triple-A Toledo expected this weekend. Trade deadline destination is a watch item for dynasty/keeper managers.

On the IL with loose bodies in his left elbow. No return timeline has been given, and loose bodies in a pitcher's throwing elbow are inherently unpredictable — some require arthroscopic removal, others resolve with rest. Skubal has been the best pitcher in baseball for two seasons; this situation warrants holding even through the uncertainty.

NEW: 15-day IL retroactive to May 1 with loose bodies in left elbow. Will undergo arthroscopic surgery to remove the loose bodies — recovery is 2-3 months, putting return in early-to-mid August. Was 3-2 with a 2.70 ERA before the flare-up. The Tigers' rotation now has six unavailable starters (Skubal, Mize, Verlander, Olson, Jobe, Melton).

At 68% owned, Skubal is still available in roughly a third of leagues despite targeting a return TOMORROW. His five-inning, six-K rehab start on June 7 was dominant, and the Tigers are bringing him back as their staff ace — not a cautious workload-managed return. Don't wait for Thursday's box score to trigger your add; he will be 99% owned the moment he is reinstated.

If he dropped off rosters during his elbow surgery absence, grab him now. The five-inning, six-K High-A start on June 7 was the confirmation the Tigers needed, and they're targeting Thursday. At 68% owned, he's inexplicably on the wire in plenty of leagues — that number goes to 99% the moment he's reinstated.

Skubal underwent a minimally invasive 'nano-scope' procedure on May 6 to remove a loose body from his elbow — a procedure that typically sidelines pitchers 2-3 months. He's knocking on the door of a rehab assignment less than four weeks later. Manager AJ Hinch confirmed a rehab start with High-A West Michigan is imminent, with the org targeting a late-June return. If Skubal is available at 44% or below in your league, add him now. A healthy two-time Cy Young winner returning in late June is exactly the kind of second-half asset that wins championships.

Started vs Boston Red Sox (3W-2L, 2.70 ERA)

Started @ Atlanta Braves (3W-2L, 2.72 ERA)

Started @ Boston Red Sox (2W-2L, 2.22 ERA)