Skubal Throws 5 Scoreless Innings in First Rehab Start, Velocity Hits 98 mph

Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal pitched five scoreless innings Sunday in his first minor league rehabilitation appearance since elbow surgery last month. The outing took place in Comstock Park, Michigan, where Skubal started for High-A West Michigan against Dayton. Skubal struck out six batters and allowed two hits.

He threw 54 pitches, 44 of which were strikes, and his fastball reached 98 mph. "Velocity was good. I feel like I threw a ton of strikes. Good day," Skubal told reporters after the game. Skubal underwent a noninvasive procedure on May 6 to remove a loose body from his throwing elbow.

70 ERA in seven starts. He has struck out 45 batters and walked six over 43⅓ innings. Skubal has won the American League Cy Young Award the past two seasons.

When asked Sunday when he might return to the Tigers, Skubal said a plan is in place but declined to set a timetable. "I need to wake up and feel better, feel good tomorrow and have a good week of work, and then we'll make that decision when we need to make it," he said. "It doesn't really do me any good to tell you guys when I'm pitching next.