Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal may return from left elbow surgery much sooner than expected. 

Two-time American League Cy Young winner Skubal underwent surgery for loose bodies in his left elbow on May 6. It typically takes two to three months to recover from this operation. However, Scott Boras, the pitcher's agent, explained that the Detroit star had a different procedure that could expedite the left-handed ace's recovery. 

How does Tarik Skubal's operation differ from typical surgery?

Surgery for loose bodies (bone chips) involves a surgeon making keyhole incisions into the joint, using a camera to locate the fragments and remove them. Renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, however, performed Skubal's surgery using a NanoScope. It's a cutting-edge camera system that allows surgeons to take images and repair the joints in real time, making it much less invasive than an MRI or typical arthroscopic surgeries.

"This is really almost like receiving a shot," Boras told the "Baseball Tonight" podcast for an episode published Monday (h/t Field Level Media) while explaining Skubal won't need to rebuild his arm strength during the injury recovery process. 

"We think it's going to be a much shorter period [of rehabilitation]," Boras continued. "And he'll be able to return to performance at just a much, much earlier stage."

How an early Tarik Skubal return would benefit the Tigers

Boras didn't specify how early Skubal could return for Detroit, but if he's back before the beginning of July, that would be ideal for the team. The Tigers (19-22) have struggled without Skubal, going 4-6 in their last 10 games. Entering Monday, they were tied for third in the AL Central with the Kansas City Royals (19-22) and behind the Chicago White Sox (19-21) and Cleveland Guardians (21-21). 

Luckily for Detroit, pitching hasn't been a huge issue despite Skubal's injury. Entering Monday, the Tigers ranked 11th in baseball in ERA (3.90). Starting pitcher Ty Madden, 26, is also off to a promising start. The former Texas Longhorns star posted a 2.45 ERA and notched 12 strikeouts in his first two games. 

When Skubal returns, the rotation will grow even more dangerous. He posted a 2.70 ERA and 45 strikeouts in his first seven games. Good thing for the Tigers that he may be back on the mound faster than they anticipated.