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Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal took a significant step toward returning to the major leagues Saturday, throwing five scoreless innings in his first minor league rehabilitation appearance since undergoing elbow surgery last month.
According to ESPN, Skubal's start marked his first action since the procedure. The Tigers have been without their top starter as they push through the middle portion of the season, and the rehab appearance gives the organization an early indication of where Skubal stands in his recovery.
Skubal was coming off a dominant 2025 campaign that established him as one of the premier pitchers in the American League. The elbow issue cut into his 2026 season before it could fully get started. Five scoreless innings in a first rehab start represents a positive early step, though the Tigers have not announced a timeline for his return to the active roster.
