The Detroit Tigers are just a few short hours away from their three-game series against the Seattle Mariners.
The franchise is coming off a clean 3-0 sweep over the Tampa Bay Rays, who currently lead the American League East.
Tigers Announce Positive Skubal News
Keeping the motivation and energy high, it has been announced by Detroit reporter Chris McCosky that ace Tarik Skubal is scheduled to pitch on Sunday, June 7, in a rehab assignment.
He will be playing at West Michigan, a High-A affiliate of the Tigers.
This news comes after having been sidelined due to a loose body in his left elbow. He was placed on the injured list in early May.
On June 1, he threw a 64-pitch, four-inning, simulated game, as reported on Detroit’s IL.
Skubal’s Injury Was a Massive Blow to Detroit
GettyTarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers will be making a rehab start on Sunday
Trade rumors have been circulating about 29-year-old Skubal throughout the year, but fans were relieved to learn that the skilled southpaw would be remaining in the Motor City for the 2026 season.
As expected, rumors continue to heat up.
However, his injury was not anticipated. Simply put, he is not performing as the Skubal fans know and love.
Up until he was sidelined, Skubal was logging a 2.70 ERA and 45 strikeouts across 43.1 innings pitched through seven starts. He walked six batters along the way.
During his 2025 campaign, he finished with a 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts across 195.1 innings of work through 31 starts.
He is currently navigating his seventh year of Major League Baseball, but this has been anything but a smooth year for the Tigers’ ace.
Hopes are held high that Skubal will thrive during his rehab assignment, but fans should expect an adjustment period. It’s unlikely that he will immediately return to his previous form.
Tigers Prepare To Face Mariners
GettyTarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers will begin his rehab assignment this weekend
Detroit is looking to extend its three-game winning streak in its next game against Seattle this weekend.
Ahead of their first meeting, scheduled for June 5 at 6:40 p.m. ET, the Mariners appear to have an edge over the Tigers.
Currently situated in first place in the American League West with an overall record of 33-30, they aren’t in a terrible spot in the Major Leagues.
Having said that, they are looking to improve their record.
As for Detroit, they are sitting further down in the American League Central standings in fourth place, with a 25-38 overall record.
Taking into account the imposing arms the franchise retained and acquired during the offseason, many expected the ballclub to succeed on the mound right off the bat.
Unfortunately, as numerous organizations have been experiencing, the injured list has taken a massive toll on the ballclub.
Of course, there’s plenty of time to turn things around and start climbing in their division, but they will need to make a comeback from the IL.
In the meantime, Skubal will be working his way through his upcoming rehab assignment at West Michigan in hopes of returning soon.
Detroit Tigers Announce Positive Tarik Skubal News Ahead of Mariners Series