Detroit Tigers' Tarik Skubal near return after simulated rehab game

Tarik Skubal, the two‑time AL Cy Young winner for the Detroit Tigers, threw a 64‑pitch simulated game at Tropicana Field, delivering four scoreless innings and six strikeouts with normal velocity. Manager A.J. Hinch said the performance shows Skubal is moving closer to competitive pitching rather than just rehabilitation.

Skubal underwent a minimally invasive NanoScope arthroscopic procedure on May 6 to remove loose bodies from his left elbow after a June injury. The simulated outing is part of his step‑by‑step rehab, with a potential Triple‑A Toledo start or another simulated game pending his recovery assessment. The Tigers, who have struggled with a 7‑22 record since his last start and hold the worst AL record, hope his return will bolster the rotation.