Tarik Skubal, the two-time reigning Cy Young winner, is set to make his return to the Detroit Tigers this Saturday against the Cleveland Guardians after recovering from elbow surgery. Skubal, who had a loose body removed from his elbow, last pitched for the Tigers on April 29 and underwent surgery on May 6.

Skubal emphasized the importance of treating his return as a regular game, stating, "I need to keep the game of baseball as the game of baseball, especially not trying to make up for the last five weeks I've been gone." He underwent a new procedure called the NanoScope, which significantly expedited his rehabilitation, allowing him to return in just over a month.

In his only minor-league rehab start, Skubal dominated, throwing five scoreless innings with six strikeouts against Single-A hitters. He allowed only two hits and no walks, demonstrating his readiness for the big leagues.

A.J. Hinch, the Tigers' manager, noted the importance of transitioning back to game situations, highlighting the challenges beyond just physical readiness. Despite winning six of their last seven games, the Tigers sit at 28-40, 5.5 games out of a wild-card spot.

As the August 3 trade deadline approaches, Skubal's early return is crucial for the Tigers, who may need to consider trading their ace if they fail to climb back into postseason contention. With Skubal set to become a free agent after the season, every contender will likely be interested, especially if the Tigers are willing to cover a portion of his remaining $9 million contract.

If Skubal is traded, the Tigers may also look to deal fellow rentals like Casey Mize, Gleyber Torres, and possibly Justin Verlander. The potential for Verlander to return to the Tigers adds another layer of complexity to their trade strategy, as they aim to balance rebuilding with competitive aspirations.