Detroit Tigers left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal, who has claimed the American League Cy Young Award twice, completed a four-inning simulated game Monday at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, marking significant progress in his recovery and positioning him for a potential rehabilitation assignment this weekend.
During the practice session, Skubal delivered 64 total pitches with 45 finding the strike zone while recording six strikeouts.
“It was obviously a step in the right direction and continuing to show progress and throw with freedom,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “Velo was normal, which means high. And his reactions are starting to get even more and more competitive. To me, that’s signaling that he’s getting closer to pitching competitively than he is rehabbing.”
Through seven appearances in 2026, Skubal has compiled a 3-2 record alongside a 2.70 ERA and 0.95 WHIP. His dominance continues with 45 strikeouts across 43 1/3 innings pitched while issuing just six walks, maintaining his rate of more than one strikeout per inning.
Following his seven-inning performance on April 29 in Atlanta, the pitcher was sidelined and placed on the 15-day injured list May 4, with the designation backdated to May 1, due to loose bodies discovered in his left elbow. On May 6, he underwent arthroscopic surgery to clear the debris, with medical professionals confirming no additional ligament damage was present.
“I think it was another good day, another positive day,” Skubal said after the sim game. “I feel great now, went through all my post-throw stuff in the weight room and the training room and I feel good. Now I just need to sleep well, wake up and see how I feel tomorrow.
“But like I said last time, don’t expect anything to be different. I’m going to be general pitching sore, but that’s a good thing.”
Since Skubal’s most recent mound appearance, the Tigers have struggled significantly, posting a 7-22 record entering Monday’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays. Their overall 22-28 mark represents the American League’s poorest record.
