Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal set to return against Cleveland Guardians

Tarik Skubal, the Detroit Tigers' right‑hand ace, is scheduled to make his first major‑league start since undergoing elbow surgery on Saturday, facing the Cleveland Guardians. The Tigers announced the move as they try to halt a disappointing season in which they sit 28‑40, 8.5 games behind the AL Central leader and 5.5 games out of a wild‑card spot.

Skubal entered the season with a 2.70 ERA over seven outings before his injury. His return comes as Detroit also prepares to add other starters such as Casey Mize and potentially Justin Verlander, who is completing a Triple‑A rehab assignment. Skubal will become a free agent after the season, and the club may consider trading him before the deadline to recoup value.

The decision aims to boost the Tigers' rotation and improve their chances of climbing the standings in the final stretch of the 2026 campaign.