Overview
- Skubal had arthroscopic surgery Wednesday to remove bone chips from his left elbow, with MLB insider Jon Heyman reporting an initial hope of a return in about two months and other outlets citing a 2–3 month window.
- Team exams found “loose bodies” in the joint, and a sports medicine specialist described a typical plan of 6–8 weeks of therapy followed by 6–8 weeks of throwing before game action resumes.
- Manager A.J. Hinch said the decision followed rising discomfort that surfaced in Atlanta and worsened during catch play, leading the club to place Skubal on the 15-day injured list.
- Before the injury, the two-time AL Cy Young winner posted a 2.70 ERA with 45 strikeouts in seven starts, and executives told MLB.com the free-agency impact could be limited if he returns cleanly, though loose bodies can sometimes hint at deeper ligament issues.
- Detroit now must cover innings as injuries and a suspension thin the staff, and outside help is being discussed by analysts, with names such as Robbie Ray framed as potential trade targets depending on rival clubs’ direction.