Tarik Skubal Reflects on Elbow Issues Ahead of Potential Final Home Start

Tarik Skubal’s elbow has become a focal point of discussion as the MLB trade deadline approaches. The Detroit Tigers ace faced scrutiny recently over his decision not to undergo an MRI last offseason, a choice that may have delayed the diagnosis of an elbow issue. Instead of addressing the problem earlier, Skubal opted for a new treatment for loose bodies in May, which sidelined him for a month and a half.

In an interview with The Athletic’s Cody Stavenhagen, Skubal admitted he sensed something was amiss with his pitching elbow back in January but chose to ignore the symptoms. “If I could go back, I probably should have got an MRI in January and hammered it out to where I was done with it in the offseason,” he reflected. He acknowledged that the arbitration process he was navigating at the time may have influenced his decision-making.

Arbitration hearings are becoming increasingly rare in MLB, and Skubal’s case was one of only ten last winter. Ultimately, he won a significant decision, with the arbitrator awarding him $32 million, well above the Tigers’ proposed $19 million. Despite the financial victory, the tension surrounding the arbitration process seemed to weigh on him. His frustration with the organization may have contributed to his reluctance to seek medical advice regarding his elbow.

Addressing reporters again on Thursday, Skubal clarified that an MRI was not a consideration at the time. “I thought that we were trending in the right direction throughout this whole process,” he explained. “I had a hiccup in January that I didn’t know what was going on. I thought it was just a different soreness.” He emphasized that he felt capable and effective on the mound, leading him to believe that further medical evaluation was unnecessary.

As the Tigers continue to fight for a wild-card spot, the possibility of trading Skubal looms large. The team is not expected to retain him this offseason, meaning a trade could yield valuable prospects or established players. When asked if his upcoming start could be his last at Comerica Park, Skubal acknowledged the reality of the situation. “That might be reality, a little bit,” he said, but added, “five days later is another one at home. I don’t know the rotation or how that shakes out.” With nine games left until the trade deadline on August 3, the Tigers’ decisions could reshape their future.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.