Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal returns from elbow surgery, yields 3-1 loss to Guardians

Detroit’s left‑hander Tarik Skubal made his first start since undergoing an innovative elbow surgery on May 6. He pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing five hits, striking out four and surrendering a two‑run homer to Daniel Schneemann that gave Cleveland a 3‑1 lead.

Skubal said, “I don’t want to play into that narrative of trying to be back” and later admitted, “It was bad. Really bad,” after missing a high fastball on a 0‑2 count. The Tigers stranded 11 runners and were lifted after 80 pitches by manager A.J. Hinch, who called the outing “weird” amid early‑game injuries to Guardians outfielders Angel Martinez (bruised foot) and Chase DeLauter (bruised ribs). Skubal’s fastball remained in the mid‑90s, but he noted his execution fell short as the Tigers fell 3‑1.

The loss marked the first game for Skubal since his April 29 surgery, and the team expressed optimism about his return despite the rust showing in this outing.