DETROIT – Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal took another step forward in his recovery Tuesday, throwing a 40-pitch live bullpen session at Comerica Park that manager A.J. Hinch described as “a really good day.”
Skubal faced hitters in a session designed to simulate three innings as he continues his return from elbow surgery.
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“The velocity was really good. Stuff was good. Execution was OK,” Hinch said before the Tigers’ game against the Los Angeles Angels. “All things that he’s going to challenge himself with as he gets back ramped up.”
Hinch said Skubal’s outing marked what would be considered a normal “start day” in his throwing progression.
The left-hander is expected to throw a bullpen session in the coming days before building toward another live outing with increased volume.
Recovery between sessions remains the key focus for Detroit’s medical staff.
“Everybody races to him right after he throws, and he felt great,” Hinch said. “Now we just sort of wait as things calm down. Is there any sort of soreness? He’s going to get pitching sore again, which is not uncommon, but obviously all attention is on anything with his arm.”
Hinch reiterated Skubal will make at least one rehab appearance in the minors before returning to the major league rotation.
“He’s going to pitch in a game somewhere other than the big leagues before he comes to the big leagues,” Hinch said. “If he needs more time, cool. If he’s continuing to progress, we’re paving the way for him.”
Tigers provide updates on several injured players
The Tigers also provided updates on several other injured players.
Infielder Gleyber Torres swung a bat Tuesday without pain, while outfielder Kerry Carpenter continued defensive work in right field and is nearing full-speed swings.
“I like that we are starting to talk about baseball,” Hinch said. “We’re talking about rehab assignments and competition and pitch execution for Tarik and swings for Kerry. There’s actual baseball stuff going on.”
Pitcher Ty Madden is expected to pitch again this weekend during his rehab assignment and could soon become an option for Detroit’s pitching staff.
Meanwhile, Tigers legend and future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Justin Verlander, referred to by Hinch as “JV,” is scheduled to throw live batting practice on Wednesday (May 27).
“It’s back-to-back live days,” Hinch said, referencing Skubal throwing a live session Tuesday and Verlander’s scheduled outing Wednesday. “We couldn’t quite get the Skubal-Verlander matchup in the rehab game, but we missed it by a day.”
According to Hinch, Verlander is expected to face hitters for four to five simulated innings, with Detroit aiming for a pitch count between 65 and 75 pitches.
“We’re going to try to get him into the 65-75 range,” Hinch said. “I don’t know exactly what we’re going to get to, but no restrictions other than just another day on the mound.”
Hinch said the Tigers plan to continue building Verlander’s workload gradually as he works toward a return to game competition.
The Tigers also continue monitoring outfielder Javier Báez, who will undergo further medical evaluation after lingering ankle inflammation has prevented him from returning to full baseball activities.
“We need to have him seen by a specialist,” Hinch said. “He’s not able to run full speed. He’s not able to do all the activities.”