The Detroit Tigers were in a decent place heading into May 4.

The Tigers had an 18-17 record entering the day, good enough to lead the AL Central despite a slew of injuries. Pitcher Tarik Skubal was continuing to dominate, posting a 2.70 ERA and a 0.946 WHIP over his 43.1 innings, striking out 45 batters with six walks. He appeared to be on his way to a third consecutive Cy Young award given his start to the season.

Everything fell apart shortly thereafter. Skubal was scratched from his start on May 4 and underwent a procedure to remove loose bodies from his left elbow. Injuries and losses continued to pile up as the Tigers have gone 4-18 since Skubal missed that start and are now tied with the Angels for the worst record in the AL (22-36).

Detroit Tigers getting pieces back but it may be too late

Skubal may not be out for much longer. He threw 39 pitches in a simulated game on Tuesday and is set to throw another simulated game on Monday. Evan Woodberry of MLive.com reported that Skubal will then have another simulated game on June 7 and could begin a rehab assignment the following week. He could potentially return by mid-June.

Other players have begun to return from the IL as well. Pitcher Troy Melton returned on May 24 and has been solid in his two starts. Outfielder Kerry Carpenter began a rehab assignment in Triple-A on Friday. Pitchers Justin Verlander, Reese Olson and Ty Madden are working their way back. Reinforcements are coming.

However, those players may be too late to save the Tigers season. If they continue to struggle, Skubal could return in time to prove he is healthy ahead of the trade deadline. Unless they have a drastic turnaround, the Tigers season may already be over.