Tigers ace Tarik Skubal makes his first start since undergoing elbow surgery on April 29 and returns to the mound about 38 days later. In his return, Detroit uses Skubal as the starter against the Guardians, and he pitches 4 2/3 innings in the game. The outings includes encouraging signs alongside visible rust. According to reports, Skubal throws 80 pitches, strikes out four batters, and issues one walk, while also recording a peak velocity reported at 99.9 mph. Despite his performance, Detroit loses the game, and the defeat is part of a broader stretch in which the Tigers drop a series to the Guardians. Multiple outlets describe Skubal’s return as a step forward after the “Skubal scope” procedure, but they also note that he is not yet fully sharp in his first outing back. The Tigers’ decision to reinsert their top starter after a prolonged absence underscores the importance of his health and readiness as Detroit continues the season.