Detroit’s comeback timeline is starting to take shape: Tarik Skubal has been cleared enough to move through another rehab step, while Casey Mize and Justin Verlander are set for rehab starts of their own. The Tigers’ rotation is getting healthier—but the team
For the Detroit Tigers, it’s the kind of week that can change everything—if the bodies hold.
Tarik Skubal is nearing a return after undergoing surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow, and the Tigers are already mapping out what comes next. Detroit’s focus is straightforward: get healthy after the procedure, then work through the pitching rotation with care.
Skubal’s path is clear on the calendar. He recorded a rehab start and followed it by scheduling the next step: a bullpen session on Wednesday. Beck wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “Tarik Skubal said he feels good after Sunday’s rehab start. He’ll throw a bullpen session Wednesday, likely the final hurdle before slotting him back into rotation. He usually throws a bullpen 3 days before a start, so perhaps a Wednesday session hints at a return Saturday.”.
That “final hurdle” matters, because it frames what the Tigers can realistically expect next. Skubal’s own status is moving forward, but the timing still hinges on how the bullpen session translates into a real return to the rotation.
Detroit also has other pitching updates that will influence how the team fills out the week. Alongside Skubal, the Tigers are working through injuries to Casey Mize and Justin Verlander. Both are set for rehab starts on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.
Mize’s rehab start is scheduled for Tuesday with the Tigers’ Single-A ball club, with Lakeland included in the plan. The injury has been an adductor issue, and his last game came on May 27 in the 4-0 win over the Los Angeles Angels, when he pitched four innings.
Verlander’s rehab start is set for Wednesday at the Triple-A level in Toledo. He has been sidelined by a hip injury since his only appearance for the team on March 30 in the 9-6 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Beck put the rotation picture into one clear sequence on X: “With Tarik Skubal nearing a return, Casey Mize making a rehab start tonight for Sing,le-A Lakeland, and Justin Verlander making a rehab start tomorrow for Triple-A Toledo.”
Taken together, the Tigers aren’t just waiting on one pitcher. They’re moving three pieces at once—Skubal’s bullpen step. Mize’s Single-A rehab start. and Verlander’s Triple-A rehab start—each with its own injury history and timeline. The uncertainty is still there. but it’s narrower than it was days ago. because the next tangible milestones are now lined up.
As for when the Tigers will actually get Skubal, Verlander, and Mize back together, it remains to be seen. What is certain is that Detroit’s recovery plan is now in motion, and the coming bullpen session and rehab starts will determine how quickly the rotation can stabilize.
Detroit Tigers Tarik Skubal Casey Mize Justin Verlander rehab start bullpen session elbow surgery adductor injury hip injury Lakeland Toledo
If Skubal is “cleared” then just play him already lol.
Wait so he’s throwing a bullpen Wednesday and they’re thinking Saturday?? Tigers fans should not get hopes up, Detroit always makes it complicated.
Skubal elbow surgery removal of loose bodies = he’s basically good to go. I don’t get why they need like 20 rehab steps though. Also Verlander and Mize Tuesday/Wednesday… feels like the rotation will be fixed by next week but then they’ll go cold.
I heard it was gonna be earlier, like he’d be back after the May 27 game or something, so this timeline still feels off. Adductor issue, loose bodies… next thing you know they’ll say it was “just soreness” and skip the rest of the process. Also “Saturday” is random like that X post guessed it or whatever.