Agent: Tigers LHP Tarik Skubal could return earlier than expected

While the Detroit Tigers didn't specify a timeline for Tarik Skubal's return from surgery last week to remove loose bodies from his elbow, his agent Scott Boras says he'll be back sooner than expected.

This type of procedure normally requires a recovery time of two to three months. But Boras said in an appearance on ESPN's "Baseball Tonight" podcast that the procedure, performed by legendary orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, used a NanoScope, making it less invasive.

"This is really almost like receiving a shot," Boras said, noting that the left-handed ace won't need to start from scratch in building his arm strength back up after the procedure. Boras believes that will move up his return timeline.

"We think that's going to be a much shorter period (of rehabilitation)," Boras said. "And he'll be able to return to performance at just a much, much earlier stage."

Skubal, 29, is the two-time defending American League Cy Young Award winner. He has a 2.70 ERA and 3-2 record in seven starts this season, his last before he's a free agent this upcoming offseason.

Skubal has a 57-39 record, 3.06 ERA and 1.021 WHIP in seven seasons and 144 appearances (141 starts) for the Tigers since 2020, striking out 934 batters while walking 178.

It's just the latest pitching injury to right-handers for the Tigers, who made the postseason each of the last two seasons after a nine-year drought and are tied for third place sitting 1.5 games back in the American League Central with a 19-22 record.

On Sunday, Justin Verlander was transferred to the 60-day injured list with right hip inflammation. Reese Olson is out for the season after shoulder surgery. Casey Mize could return this month after a stint on the 15-day IL with a right adductor strain.

--Field Level Media