The Detroit Tigers have officially revealed the next step in Tarik Skubal’s recovery.

According to Tigers reporter Jason Beck, manager A.J. Hinch announced Friday that Skubal will make a rehab start on Sunday with the High-A West Michigan Whitecaps. The decision to send the reigning two-time American League Cy Young Award winner to West Michigan was influenced in part by the weather forecast, which is expected to be more favorable in Grand Rapids than in Iowa, where Triple-A Toledo is playing this weekend.

The rehab outing marks an important milestone for Skubal as he works his way back toward rejoining Detroit’s rotation. With the Tigers struggling through a disappointing 2026 season and sitting near the bottom of the American League standings, getting their ace back on the mound could provide a much-needed boost.

The move comes just days after veteran Justin Verlander began his own rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo, making his first game appearance since March 30.

While the Tigers have not yet announced how many rehab starts Skubal will need before returning to the major league roster, Sunday’s appearance with West Michigan will offer the organization a chance to evaluate his progress in live-game action.

For a Tigers team desperate for positive news, all eyes will be on Grand Rapids this weekend as Skubal takes another step toward his return to Detroit.