What happened: Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal will make a rehab start this Sunday. The outing comes exactly four weeks after a new procedure to repair his elbow, putting the reigning two-time Cy Young winner on track for a potential return next week.
Why it matters: The ace's recovery timeline is a massive factor as the trade deadline approaches and speculation mounts around his future. A healthy return could solidify his value for potential suitors, providing clarity for a Detroit team evaluating its options.
By the numbers: The Tigers own MLB's worst record since Skubal's final start on April 29. Prior to his absence, Detroit's odds of trading the left-hander had reportedly reached 90 percent amid the team's fall in the wild-card standings.
What to watch: The Tigers will evaluate Skubal's velocity, command, and overall health on Sunday before determining if he can officially rejoin the rotation.