Can Tigers fans trust Scott Boras if Tarik Skubal's absence extends closer to September?

The early report from Tarik Skubal's surgery is encouraging. Jon Heyman was quick to put the word out there that the Detroit Tigers' ace had successful surgery, removing one "relatively small" loose body from his elbow. The impression is that Skubal could be back within six weeks, but it feels like a lot could change between now and then.

First and foremost, the report from Heyman gives off the impression that it's coming from Scott Boras. Boras would certainly be one of the first to know if the surgery was successful, and Heyman has close ties to the MLB super agent.

Along those lines comes the need for updates from the Tigers to see how Skubal's elbow responds once he resumes his throwing program. Being able to work out is one thing, but that doesn't mean that Skubal will be cleared to resume his throwing program. In other words, there remains a long way from where Skubal and the Tigers are now to when he could be back on the mound.

It's also why Tigers fans aren't exactly buying the update from Heyman. Heyman was noticeably incorrect with his initial reporting of Skubal missing his last scheduled start, and for that reason, skepticism remains.

Scott Boras' involvement clouds Tarik Skubal's return timeline

Let's get the obvious out of the way. If Skubal is indeed cleared to return in two months and the Tigers are in contention, he's going to pitch again for the Tigers. For as much as Scott Boras is eyeing the payday that awaits Skubal in free agency, even he realizes the dangerous precedent that would be set if the 29-year-old didn't make his return under those circumstances.

But a larger question looms. Recovery from elbow surgery, regardless of the type, is not linear. There certainly could be a setback or two that pushes Skubal's timeline closer to September. If that happens, Boras could be the voice of influence that Tigers fans may not be able to trust.

The caveat of the Tigers being in contention still applies, considering it would be a much harder justification for Boras if Skubal was indeed ready to go. But if Skubal's timeline is pushed back to September and the Tigers are out of the playoff race, that is where things could get murky. In that scenario, Boras would have a little more ground to stand on if he suggested his client skip the rest of the season.

All this to say, if you're a Tigers fan, no, Boras can't be trusted. Boras is going to act with Skubal's best interest in mind, and that could mean not seeing him pitch again for the Tigers.

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