Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal threw his third bullpen session since beginning his elbow rehab program after undergoing a non-invasive procedure on May 6 to remove a loose body. Manager A.J. Hinch called the work a “great step,” with velocity matching his bes
DETROIT — Tarik Skubal stepped back onto the mound on Thursday and went through another bullpen session as his rehab from left elbow surgery continues, his third since the Tigers began the recovery process.
The motivation is clear, but the timeline still isn’t. Skubal’s rehab started after he underwent a non-invasive procedure on his left pitching elbow on May 6 to remove a loose body. Detroit’s manager, A.J. Hinch. described Thursday’s session as a “great step. ” while also making it plain there are still obstacles to clear before Skubal returns to game action.
“There are little hurdles to clear along the way when you come back from a procedure,” Hinch said. “As much as we described it as simple, it’s still a procedure.”
Skubal’s work included a full repertoire and a workload designed to mimic what he’d face in a real stretch of innings. In total, he threw 35 pitches, with a breather in between to simulate the downtime between innings. Hinch pointed to the numbers and the feel of the session. saying Skubal’s velocity was as high as it has been since he began throwing.
“He sat down and came back and did like a simulated second inning. That’s encouraging and it’s full stuff,” Hinch said.
Thursday’s bullpen came before Detroit’s home game against Cleveland. part of a steady build toward something closer to normal starts. After this latest session. Skubal is expected to travel with the team during its weekend series in Baltimore. where he will throw another bullpen. The medical and coaching staff will decide his next step after that.
Skubal’s season has remained productive even as he works through the rehab plan. He is 3-2 with a 2.70 ERA in seven starts this season. With the recovery ongoing. his return would only come after those “little hurdles” Hinch referenced. and for now the Tigers are letting the process dictate the pace.
One key point also hangs over the backdrop: Skubal will be a free agent after the season.
Tarik Skubal Detroit Tigers bullpen session elbow surgery loose body A.J. Hinch May 6 Baltimore series Cleveland game Cy Young winner