Tarik Skubal's post-surgery comments provide real momentum for Tigers

There's been much to be said about Tarik Skubal's elbow surgery and the timeline for his return to the Detroit Tigers starting rotation. The problem is that most of the talking has come from Jon Heyman, which means it's information that Scott Boras wants out there. It's muddied the waters for Tigers fans, who simply want to know when Skubal will be back.

Local Tigers beat writers have confirmed the latest reporting from Heyman, revealing that Skubal is in the early stages of his throwing program. Skubal has progressed from playing catch to throwing off a mound, and that certainly has given the impression that he could be back on the earlier side of the initial six-to-eight week timeline.

Still, the information wasn't coming from Skual or the Tigers. That changed on Monday night as Skubal met with reporters for the first time since the surgery was completed. The two-time American League Cy Young Award winner confirmed that he threw "like a normal pregame bullpen" and that he hasn't felt any symptoms during the early stages of his recovery.

Tigers fans finally get an update from Tarik Skubal himself

Skubal also confirmed that his recovery should be fast, but he wasn't ready to give a timeline for when he will be good to go. The Tigers are still taking a cautious approach, as Skubal revealed that he's been instructed to take it easy as he has resumed his throwing program.

Since he is currently at the Tigers' spring training complex in Florida, it would seem that the next logical progression for Skubal would be to face live hitters. From there, he will likely need at least one minor-league rehab start before the Tigers activate him off the IL. AJ Hinch has confirmed that steps won't be skipped in an effort to expedite Skubal's return.

In any event, this is tangible evidence that Skubal is ahead of schedule. Skubal having a faster recovery timeline was always going to be the best-case scenario for the Tigers. It's always possible that there's a setback that pops up, but right now, the indication is that Skubal could be back in the Tigers' rotation by the middle of June. No one likely expected that outcome when news of the surgery first broke.

If the Tigers are going to turn their season around, they will need to do so quickly. Standings aren't exactly followed before Memorial Day, but Detroit has routinely looked lost at every turn this season. Skubal's early return is hopefully the momentum that pushes them back in the right direction. Otherwise, a much different Skubal conversation may need ot be had in July.

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