Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal throws five scoreless innings in rehab start

Detroit Tigers left‑hander Tarik Skubal made his first minor‑league rehabilitation appearance on June 7, 2026, pitching five scoreless innings for the High‑A West Michigan Whitecaps against the Dayton Dragons. He threw 54 pitches, 44 of them strikes, struck out six and allowed only two hits. His fastball ranged from 97 to 99 mph. After the start he worked additional bullpen throws, bringing his total pitch count for the day to about 70.

The outing followed a nanoscope elbow procedure on May 6 to remove loose bodies from his left elbow, ending a month‑long absence since his last major‑league start on April 29. Skubal, a back‑to‑back AL Cy Young Award winner, is entering the final months of a $32 million arbitration year and is the centerpiece of Detroit’s trade‑deadline speculation. Reporters cite interest from teams such as the Braves, Dodgers, Yankees, Brewers and others, with potential packages involving top prospects.

Fans noted a perceived weight gain during the rehab, while the Tigers also reported rehab progress for other pitchers, including Justin Verlander, Casey Mize and Kenley Jansen, as the club works to re‑stock its rotation amid a losing season.