On Friday night, the Detroit Tigers played the first game of their series with the Kansas City Royals in Missouri.
The Tigers lost by a score of 4-3.
Tigers Announced Justin Verlander News
GettyStarter 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.
The Tigers continue to remain without Justin Verlander.
He pitched in his only game of the season on March 30.
Ahead of their series with the Royals, the Tigers announced the latest news on Verlander.
Via MLB.com: “Will throw a two-inning simulated game on May 9 in Kansas City. Will likely need additional work against hitters after that. (Updated May 8)”
GettyJustin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers looks on from the dugout during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on April 26, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
According to the site, Verlander is still supposed to return later this month.
Looking At Verlander
GettyDETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 07: Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers looks on from the dugout against the Oakland Athletics during Game Two of the American League Division Series at Comerica Park on October 7, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
Verlander (who is 43) struggled during his only start of the year, going 3.2 innings, allowing six hits and five earned runs.
He is coming off a season where he went 4-11 with a 3.85 ERA in 29 games for the San Francisco Giants.
There is good reason to believe that a healthy Verlander could still help the Tigers in a big way this season.
Jason Beck of MLB.com wrote (on May 5): “Justin Verlander will throw another bullpen session Wednesday, hopefully will face hitters in sim game this weekend. He’ll likely need another step beyond that, either a rehab start or a sim game, before he’s cleared to return from injured list and rejoin Tigers rotation.”
GettyJustin Verlander #35 of the San Francisco Giants reacts after the Giants made a great play to end the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park on September 12, 2025 in San Francisco, California.
Verlander is one of the best pitchers is in MLB history, and is most known for his time with the Tigers from 2005-17.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner then had stints with the Houston Astros, New York Mets (and Giants).
He won two titles in Houston.
Tigers Right Now
GettyManager A.J. Hinch #14 of the Detroit Tigers watches from the dugout during the third inning of the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on March 31, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Despite their injuries this season, the Tigers are still the second-place team in the American League Central with an 18-21 record in 39 games.
They are 6-15 in 21 games on the road (but 12-6 in 18 games at home).
Detroit Tigers Announced Justin Verlander News Before Royals Series