Justin Verlander
Breakdown
Performance
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April 16, 2026
Recovery going slower than expected
Manager A.J. Hinch said Thursday that Verlander's recovery from hip inflammation is "going a little slower than I think he anticipated or we anticipated," Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
"I think he's doing OK," Hinch continued. "I don't think he's necessarily taking a step forward, and he hasn't taken a step back. He had a bullpen yesterday that went OK. ... We're going to take it day by day." It sounds like Verlander is still dealing with discomfort in the left hip. He's made one start this season, allowing five runs on six hits and two walks with just one strikeout across 3.2 innings against the Diamondbacks on March 30. Keider Montero will continue to remain in the rotation for the time being.
April 13, 2026
Needs another bullpen session
Verlander (hip) will throw another bullpen session before potentially embarking on a rehab assignment, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
The veteran right-hander threw about 40 pitches during his latest bullpen session Saturday and felt good Sunday, per Chris McCosky of The Detroit News, and he'll need at least one more session before facing live hitters. Verlander landed on the shelf April 4 due to left hip inflammation, but he was able to get back to throwing quickly and shouldn't require much time to build back to game readiness.
April 11, 2026
Slated for rehab assignment
Manager A.J. Hinch said Saturday that Verlander (hip) will make a rehab start before returning from the injured list, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
Verlander will be eligible to return from the injured list Thursday, but the Tigers won't activate him right away and instead give him a tune-up outing before reintroducing him to the rotation. Once the veteran righty returns, Casey Mize or Keider Montero will likely be facing a demotion to the bullpen or Triple-A.
April 10, 2026
Slated for bullpen session Saturday
Verlander (hip) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.
Analysis
It appears to be the first time he's thrown off the mound since landing on the 15-day injured list last weekend with left hip inflammation. Verlander will be eligible for activation April 16, but it's unclear whether the Tigers will ask him to make a rehab start before returning. Keider Montero has been filling in for Verlander in Detroit's rotation.