Tigers Cautious with Justin Verlander's Injury Recovery

The veteran pitcher will need at least one rehab outing before rejoining the rotation.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:49pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's throwing motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy, forest green, and burnt orange, conveying the cautious, step-by-step approach to the player's injury recovery.A cubist interpretation of a veteran pitcher's measured return to the mound, as his team carefully manages his recovery.Today in Detroit

The Detroit Tigers are taking a measured approach with Justin Verlander's recovery from a left hip injury, prioritizing a structured rehab plan over rushing the veteran back into the rotation. Manager AJ Hinch confirmed Verlander will need at least one rehab outing, either with Triple-A Toledo or in a simulated game, before rejoining the Tigers' pitching staff.

Why it matters

Verlander is a key part of the Tigers' rotation, and the organization is committed to ensuring he can return to full strength without setbacks. The team has benefited from flexibility in the rotation, with Keider Montero's strong outing helping ease immediate pressure, but Verlander's long-term health remains the priority.

The details

Verlander, who is 43 years old, threw a high-intensity bullpen session on Saturday, marking clear progress in his recovery. However, the Tigers are not rushing him back and will closely monitor his condition during a rehab assignment before activating him. This step-by-step approach will allow Verlander to build strength without risking further injury.

  • Verlander threw a bullpen session on Saturday.
  • Verlander will need at least one rehab outing, either with Triple-A Toledo or in a simulated game, before rejoining the Tigers' rotation.

The players

Justin Verlander

A 43-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who is recovering from left hip inflammation.

AJ Hinch

The manager of the Detroit Tigers.

Keider Montero

A Tigers pitcher who threw six shutout innings with seven strikeouts in a recent game against the Miami Marlins.

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What they’re saying

“AJ Hinch said Justin Verlander won't come right off the IL into the rotation. He's going to need at least one rehab outing, whether it's a sim game or a Triple-A start. Verlander (hip) threw a bullpen this morning.”

— AJ Hinch, Manager, Detroit Tigers

What’s next

The Tigers will continue to evaluate Verlander's progress during his rehab assignment, and his response to game action will determine how quickly he can rejoin the rotation and resume a consistent workload this season.

The takeaway

The Tigers' cautious approach with Verlander's recovery highlights the organization's commitment to prioritizing the veteran pitcher's long-term health over rushing him back into the rotation. This measured strategy aims to ensure Verlander can return to full strength without setbacks, benefiting the team's playoff aspirations in the long run.