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Tigers Announce Justin Verlander Injury Update Before Marlins Game
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- Tigers Announce Justin Verlander Injury Update Before Marlins Game
The Detroit Tigers released their medical update Friday, and right-hander Justin Verlander took a step forward in his recovery from left hip inflammation.
According to the team's update, Verlander is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday. The 43-year-old was placed on the injured list April 2, after allowing five runs in 3.2 innings in a 9-6 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 30, his only appearance of the season.
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With the IL placement made retroactive to April 1, Verlander is eligible to return as soon as April 16. Keider Montero was called up from Triple-A Toledo to fill his spot on the 26-man roster in the meantime.
Verlander, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, returned to Detroit this offseason after spending time with the Houston Astros , New York Mets and the San Francisco Giants . The Tigers signed him for a one-year, $13 million deal with the expectation that he could anchor a rotation in the midst of a rebuild while also providing a veteran presence in the clubhouse. Last year with San Francisco , he posted a 3.85 ERA in 29 starts.
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A bullpen session represents a meaningful step in the recovery process, allowing the team's medical staff to evaluate how Verlander's hip responds to competitive throwing before any decision is made about a rehab assignment or activation ahead of April 16. At 43, Verlander is the oldest active player in MLB , making the Tigers' handling of his workload and recovery a priority.
Verlander spent the first 13 years of his MLB career in Detroit from 2005 to 2017, then had stints with the Astros, Mets and Giants. His return to Comerica Park this offseason carried notable significance for a franchise that is leaning on his experience to guide a young rotation through a rebuild.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander (35) © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Friday's update also included notes on several other players. Outfielder Parker Meadows sustained a left forearm fracture and a concussion during Thursday's game. Right-hander Jackson Jobe , who is recovering from right UCL reconstruction, resumed his throwing program Thursday after a scheduled rest period.
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Right-handers Beau Brieske and Troy Melton each completed bullpen sessions on Friday. Left-hander Bailey Horn is scheduled to pitch on a rehab assignment with Low-A Lakeland on Saturday, infielder Trey Sweeney received a PRP injection for right shoulder soreness, and right-hander Reese Olson continues daily rehab for a right shoulder labral repair.
If Saturday's bullpen session goes cleanly, the Tigers will have a clear target for his return with April 16 on the calendar.
Related: Mets Make Mark Vientos Decision After Jorge Polanco Injury News
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
