Overview
- Skubal, who had arthroscopic elbow surgery May 6 to remove a loose body, began a throwing program and is playing catch this week, A.J. Hinch said Friday.
- The team has not set a timetable, though MLB insider Jon Heyman reported a six-week return remains possible compared with the original two to three months.
- Hinch said the Tigers are checking in daily with surgeon Neal ElAttrache and will move from catch to bullpen sessions only if medical reviews stay clean.
- Before the injury, the two-time AL Cy Young winner went 3-2 with a 2.70 ERA and 45 strikeouts in seven starts, and an earlier return could lift a 19-25 club trying to stay in the playoff mix.
- MLB reports noted the procedure used a Nanoscope, a smaller camera that can allow faster activity after surgery because it needs only a tiny incision.