Tarik Skubal Returns in 6 Weeks After 1.9-Millimeter Elbow Surgery

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 13

Six weeks after elbow surgery, Tarik Skubal was back throwing 99.9-m.p.h. fastballs for Detroit after doctors removed a loose bone fragment from his joint.
The procedure used a 1.9-millimeter NanoNeedle Scope 2.0 instead of a standard 4-millimeter arthroscope, reducing bleeding, scarring and inflammation and sharply cutting recovery time from the usual three months.
Skubal avoided a second torn U.C.L. — an injury that could have sidelined him for more than a year — but still missed too much time to make this week's All-Star Game in Philadelphia.
His rapid return lands as M.L.B. grapples with rising injury rates tied to harder throwing and swinging, while improved surgical and rehab techniques are getting elite athletes back faster.
That comeback also sharpens attention on Skubal's expiring contract, with rich teams expected to pursue him this winter for deals approaching $500 million and the Aug. 3 trade deadline looming.