The Detroit Tigers are really in a tough slide through the first 49 games this season. At 21-29, Detroit is looking to avoid being swept by the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday, and is now tied with the Kansas City Royals for last place in the American League Central.
Being without star pitcher Tarik Skubal has clearly been tough, but the Tigers may return the services of Justin Verlander soon. On Wednesday, there is an encouraging update on Verlander’s pitching status.
More MLB on Heavy: MLB Hands Down Pete Crow-Armstrong Punishment After Obscene Message to Fan
Tigers’ Justin Verlander to Throw Sim Game on Wednesday
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CA – OCTOBER 24: Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers watches from the dugout as the Tigers take on the San Francisco Giants during Game One of the Major League Baseball World Series at AT&T Park on October 24, 2012 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Per FantasyPros.com, Justin Verlander will throw another simulated game on Wednesday:
“Verlander completed a three-inning, 50-pitch simulated game on Friday, reportedly showing improved pitch quality and fastball velocity as he continues recovering from left hip inflammation. He is set to increase his workload on Wednesday, with next steps to be determined based on how he feels during and after the session.”
Justin Verlander landed on the IL with left hip inflammation in early April, and could/should be available to be activated by June 1 (if all goes well with his rehab). He signed a one-year, $7.86 million contract before the 2026 season and has made just one start.
Detroit certainly hopes to welcome back Justin Verlander and Tarik Skubal soon before it’s too late. It’s unclear how effective Verlander will actually be anyway. His one start with the Tigers this season was rough, but he had a quality season with the Giants in 2025.
Jason Beck of MLB.com wrote (last week) “Justin Verlander threw a 50-pitch live session to hitters today at Comerica Park. Stuff was better than last session, according to A.J. Hinch, and fastball was up a tick. He’ll throw another session around middle of next week.”
The “middle of next week” is now for JV.
More MLB on Heavy: Tarik Skubal Sends Blake Snell Message Amid NanoNeedle Procedure in Elbow
Current State of the Detroit Tigers
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 30: Starter Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of the home opener at Chase Field on March 30, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
Wins have been tough to come by for the Detroit Tigers recently. After dropping the first two games of the Guardians series to their AL Central rivals, Detroit is just 2-8 in its last 10 games.
The only two teams in the American League with a worse record than the Tigers are the Los Angeles Angels and the Houston Astros.
Detroit entered this season with World Series aspirations and was a popular pick to win the AL Central. However, with Verlander and Tarik Skubal sidelined for most (or all) of May, things have been rough for Detroit. The Tigers are 4-12 since the start of May.
More MLB on Heavy: Detroit Tigers Get New Gleyber Torres Update During Guardians Series
Detroit Tigers Announce Justin Verlander Update on Wednesday Before Guardians Series Finale