So much has to happen in the coming weeks (and months) for Tigers ace Tarik Skubal to be dealt before the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
1. Skubal has to prove he is healthy. He had surgery May 6 to remove a loose body in his left elbow. The procedure was done with the relatively new NanoNeedle Scope 2.0, which is designed to accelerate rehab. Skubal already has thrown three bullpen sessions.
It is possible he could be back pitching in June. But suitors for Skubal — and there would be plenty — would need to see multiple starts in which he is healthy and looks like Skubal. Because there is no track record of how a pitcher holds up returning to action so soon after this version of the procedure.
Keep in mind that Skubal already had two significant operations on his left elbow — Tommy John surgery in 2017 and a flexor tendon procedure in 2022. Plus, he is a free agent after the season. It would be natural to try to avoid over-extending himself with such a substantial payday potentially awaiting in the offseason.
