The Detroit Tigers will seemingly continue to be without star pitcher Justin Verlander for the time being. Detroit previously brought back the future Hall of Famer on a one-year, $13 million deal to help round out their rotation. Verlander was added to an already solid group, including superstar Tarik Skubal, Framber Valdez, and Jack Flaherty.
Nevertheless, Verlander landed on the injured list after just one appearance in the 2026 season. The 43-year-old star is dealing with a hip issue. In his lone start of the campaign, the veteran allowed five earned runs in under four complete innings on the mound. While the problem is seemingly not a major worry, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch has provided a fairly disappointing update on the star.
According to Detroit Free Press reporter Evan Petzold, Verlander was able to complete a mound session on April 15. This would seemingly suggest that the injury is improving. Nevertheless, Hinch has now hinted that the pitcher was not exactly thrilled about his performance in the practice. As a result, Verlander will have to wait to return to action.
“I’ll try to characterize it accurately,” said Hinch, as reported by Petzold. “I think he’s doing OK. I don’t think he’s necessarily taking a step forward, and he hasn’t taken a step back. It wasn’t quite to the level that he wanted or that we wanted, but it wasn’t a setback or making things worse. We’re going to take it day-by-day.”
Detroit Tigers Pitchers Playing Well Without Justin Verlander
GettyJustin Verlander was brought back to help the Tigers in September/October.
The Detroit Tigers previously placed Verlander on the 15-day injured list on April 4. The move, however, was retroactive to April 1. This means that the veteran pitcher is now eligible to rejoin Detroit at any time. Petzold is reporting that Verlander will travel with his teammates to face the Boston Red Sox April 17 – 19. Nevertheless, the starter wants to have a positive bullpen session before making another MLB start.
So far, the Tigers are managing Verlander’s ongoing absence well. Overall, Detroit’s pitching staff is currently allowing just 3.44 runs per game over the first 18 games of the campaign. This is the lowest tally among all American League clubs at the moment. Their combined 3.35 ERA is also the third-best figure in the league.
As far as Detroit’s rotation goes, they have already racked up nine quality starts in 2026. Only two other A.L. teams have posted a higher number so far this season. Keider Montero, Verlander’s replacement in the Tigers’ rotation, has been stellar in his two outings. The righty has posted a 1.74 ERA and 0.67 WHIP since being called upon.
Detroit Needs Verlander Healthy for Playoff Push
Because Detroit’s rotation is pitching well right now, there is no need to rush Verlander back to action too soon. In fact, the Tigers essentially re-signed the veteran to help them towards the end of the season. The team previously faltered during the 2025 playoffs due to a lack of rotation depth behind Skubal.
Verlander is widely considered one of the best starting pitchers of his entire generation. He has collected three Cy Young awards and was named to nine All-Star teams during his illustrious career. The star was also key in picking up two World Series titles with the Houston Astros as well.
Tigers Coach Announces Disappointing Justin Verlander Update