Justin Verlander
Breakdown
Performance
NewsPowered by
Powered by
June 16, 2026
Returning Sunday
Verlander (hip) will return from the injured list to start Sunday's game against the White Sox, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.
Analysis
Verlander threw 66 pitches in a four-inning sim game Monday without any problems, so the Tigers will allow him to return from the IL over the weekend and make his first start since March 30. The 43-year-old posted a 3.38 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 10.2 frames during his rehab assignment at Triple-A, but he was lit up for five earned runs in just 3.2 innings during his lone MLB outing this season and is set to return against a White Sox offense that's posted a .777 OPS since the beginning of June.
June 16, 2026
Tosses 66 pitches in sim game
Verlander (hip) threw 66 pitches during a four-inning simulated game Monday, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.
Analysis
Verlander went up against the likes of Hao-Yu Lee, Jake Rogers and Wenceel Perez during Monday's sim game, per Petzold. Petzold also notes that it seems as though the Tigers aren't confident the veteran right-hander is ready to face major-league competition, despite being given a clean bill of health. It's not yet clear as to when Verlander will be activated from the 60-day injured list, though Saturday against the White Sox appears to be the next possibility.
June 14, 2026
Sim game on tap
Verlander (hip) is slated to throw a simulated game in Houston on Monday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
While Verlander's rehab assignment looks to be over after he built up to 5.2 innings and 86 pitches in his second start with Triple-A Toledo last Wednesday, the Tigers aren't yet ready to make room for him in the big-league rotation. The veteran righty will thus remain on the 60-day injured list for the time being, but he'll continue to stick on a five-day pitching schedule by throwing a sim game Monday. The Tigers will decide Verlander's next step following the sim game, and it's possible that he'll return from the IL and move back into the rotation during next weekend's series versus the White Sox.
June 11, 2026
Gives up four homers in rehab start
Verlander (hip) struck out three and allowed four earned runs on five hits and two walks across 5.2 innings in a rehab start Wednesday with Triple-A Toledo.
Analysis
After tossing five shutout innings and 64 pitches in his first rehab outing with Toledo on June 2, Verlander wasn't quite as sharp in the second start of his rehab assignment. Though he was able to stretch out to 86 pitches and averaged 92.9 mph with his four-seamer during the outing, Verlander struggled to execute, particularly with his slider. He allowed four home runs in the start, three which came off sliders and traveled at least 400 feet. Despite the shaky performance, Verlander could still be cleared to return from the 60-day injured list during next week's series in Houston to make his first start with the Tigers since March 30. He's expected to throw a bullpen session in front of the Tigers' brass over the weekend before a decision is made on his next step.