DETROIT — Two-time reigning Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal will return to Detroit’s starting lineup Saturday against Cleveland.
Manager A.J. Hinch made the announcement Thursday, adding that right-hander Casey Mize could return Sunday if he completes another bullpen session later Thursday.
Skubal, meanwhile, appears ahead of schedule. The Tigers announced in early May that their 29-year-old ace would require arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies from his left elbow. The procedure, called a NanoNeedle scope, took place nearly five weeks ago. Skubal made one rehab start, allowing two hits over five shutout innings for Detroit’s High-A affiliate.
Prior to landing on the injured list, Skubal had a 3-2 record with a 2.70 ERA in seven starts. He allowed 35 hits and 13 earned runs over 43.1 innings. He last pitched for the Tigers on April 29.
In a rehab start on Sunday in single-A, Skubal struck out six and allowed two hits while 44 of his 54 pitches went for strikes.
“I think velocity was good,” Skubal told reporters. “Execution was good. I feel like I threw a ton of strikes. I was in the zone a lot today. Good day.”
Skubal returns to a Tigers team that sits tied for last in the AL Central at 28-40. He is set to hit free agency after the season.
--with files from Sportsnet
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