Overview
- Manager A.J. Hinch confirmed Skubal will rejoin the Tigers’ rotation and start Saturday against the Cleveland Guardians after being on the injured list for elbow surgery.
- Skubal had a NanoScope procedure to remove a loose body on May 6 and made one rehab start of five scoreless innings before being cleared less than six weeks later.
- Detroit will also get Casey Mize back this weekend after a bullpen session, and the club added swingman Jacob Waguespack in a minor trade with the Brewers to bolster depth.
- Justin Verlander’s recent Triple‑A outing, in which he allowed four homers, has raised questions about his immediate readiness and leaves the rotation’s veteran reinforcement uncertain.
- If the Tigers slip out of contention before the Aug. 3 deadline, Skubal — a controllable, frontline starter — is widely expected to draw heavy trade interest, which could force Detroit to weigh short‑term gains against long‑term return for players and prospects.