Tarik Skubal’s five-week journey from operating table to a major league mound is complete.
The Detroit Tigers’ two-time American League Cy Young Award winner will make his first start since undergoing elbow surgery Saturday, June 13 against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Skubal underwent an innovative NanoScope surgical procedure May 6 to remove a loose body from his elbow.
The Tigers proceeded to lose 16 of 18 games and 21 of 26 after Skubal was idled, falling to the cellar of the AL Central. They rebounded to win seven of nine, escaping last place as Skubal’s return drew closer to reality.
Now, they take on the division rival Guardians while trailing the first place Chicago White Sox by eight games.
Here’s how to watch the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians on Saturday:
How to watch Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians
The Detroit Tigers take on the Cleveland Guardians in the second game of their three-game weekend series.
- Date: Saturday, June 13
- Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
- TV: Detroit SportsNet, Guardians.TV, MLB.TV app
- Location: Progressive Field (Cleveland)
Tarik Skubal stats
Skubal posted a 2.70 ERA in seven starts before the Tigers announced he required elbow surgery. While his strikeouts per nine innings (9.3) was down from his two preceding seasons, his strikeout-walk ratio improved to a career-best 7.50, as did his fielding independent pitching (2.11).
In his two Cy Young-winning seasons, Skubal was a combined 31-10 with a 2.30 ERA, 469 strikeouts in 387⅓ innings and a 0.91 WHIP.
Tarik Skubal contract
After winning his arbitration case against the Tigers, Skubal is earning $32 million in 2026. He is eligible for free agency after the season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch Tarik Skubal return from injury in Tigers-Guardians game
