Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
43-year-old Justin Verlander is recovering from left hip inflammation that has limited him to just one start (3⅔ innings, 5 runs on 6 hits, 2 walks, 1 K) on March 30 against Arizona. He completed a bullpen session on May 6 without setbacks and faced live hitters in a simulated game on May 9, throwing 38 pitches over 2 innings with 4 swings and misses and 8 balls in play. Transferred to 60-day IL on May 10, making him ineligible to return until May 31. Manager A.J. Hinch indicated Verlander will need multiple rehab sessions and at least one minor league start before returning. Verlander expressed confidence in his mechanics and physical progress but acknowledged he "wasn't as sharp as I would like to be" in the simulated game.
Strengths
- + Completed bullpen session without setbacks
- + Advanced to facing live hitters in simulated game
- + Expressed confidence in mechanical improvements
- + Physically feeling better according to player
- + Hall of Fame veteran with extensive experience
- + Progressing through rehabilitation process as planned
Injury Status: IL-60 -- Left hip inflammation; placed on 15-day IL retroactive to April 1, transferred to 60-day IL on May 10; eligible to return May 31 at earliest
About
Justin Verlander is a sp for the Detroit Tigers.
Player Overview
SP
Detroit Tigers