Tarik Skubal Begins Throwing Progression

"Tarik Skubal underwent arthroscopic surgery on May 6 to remove loose bodies from his left elbow, but the two-time defending AL Cy Young Award winner has already started playing catch, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch told MLB.com's Jason Beck and other reporters. This most basic stage of Skubal's throwing progression will see the left-hander " continue to play catch daily until we ramp him up to the bullpen [sessions]," Hinch said, though all parties will remain in consultation with Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed the surgery."

"" I was texting back and forth with [Skubal] last night, and he feels super excited about just the general feeling [of throwing]," Hinch said. " It doesn't feel weird. It doesn't feel awkward. It's not guarded. I've seen video of it. We're in touch with him daily about the program, and that sort of freedom, mentally and physically, I think is a great sign. We've been in touch with the doctor and making sure that we're going by the protocol, because it's a unique set of circumstances of him throwing so soon in which the volume was not impacted.""

"The recovery process is still in its early stages, so Hinch said a clearer timetable for Skubal wouldn't be known until the southpaw starts to ramp up the intensity of his throwing sessions and gets onto a mound. Still, it is certainly promising to see Skubal already feeling well enough to throw so soon after the procedure. In general, arthroscopic surgeries usually lead to pitchers missing between 2-3 months of action, though much depends on what types of loose bodies (bone chips, cartilage, etc.) need to be removed, as well as other x-factors like the overall state of the individual pitcher's elbow."

Tarik Skubal had arthroscopic surgery on May 6 to remove loose bodies from his left elbow. He has already started playing catch and will continue daily as his throwing progression ramps up toward bullpen sessions. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Skubal feels excited and comfortable throwing, with no awkward or guarded sensations, and that the team is in daily contact with him about the program. Hinch emphasized adherence to the doctor’s protocol, noting the unique circumstances of throwing soon after surgery and that volume was not impacted. A clearer timetable depends on when Skubal increases intensity and throws from a mound. Arthroscopic procedures often require 2-3 months, but Skubal’s Nanoscope procedure may affect recovery timing.

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