Justin Verlander injury update: Travel plans to Fenway Park canceled

Right-hander Justin Verlander remains sidelined with left hip inflammation, forcing the Detroit Tigers to leave him behind as they travel to Boston.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:51pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy blue, burnt orange, and forest green, conveying the fragmented nature of Verlander's injury recovery.Verlander's injury forces the Tigers to take a cautious approach, deconstructing his pitching motion into abstract geometric shapes.Today in Detroit

Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander was planning to travel with the team to Fenway Park in Boston for a four-game series against the Red Sox, but those plans were canceled as Verlander continues to deal with left hip inflammation. Verlander was also supposed to complete a bullpen session during the series, but that was also canceled. Manager A.J. Hinch said the team is 'respecting the fact that he's not 100%' and will not put Verlander back on the mound until he is fully healthy.

Why it matters

Verlander's injury is a significant setback for the Tigers, who have relied on the veteran right-hander for years. The team's rotation has performed well in his absence, but losing Verlander's experience and talent is a blow. The Tigers will need to carefully manage Verlander's recovery to ensure he returns at full strength and doesn't risk further injury.

The details

Verlander was placed on the injured list on April 4, retroactive to April 1, following one start in which he allowed five runs over 3 2/3 innings. The 43-year-old played catch on Tuesday to keep his arm moving, but the Tigers canceled his plans to travel to Boston and complete a bullpen session. Manager A.J. Hinch said the team is 'listening to his symptoms' and will not rush Verlander back until he is fully healthy, even though the injury is not considered more severe than initially expected.

  • Verlander was placed on the injured list on April 4, retroactive to April 1.
  • Verlander played catch on Tuesday to keep his arm moving.

The players

Justin Verlander

A 43-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who is currently sidelined with left hip inflammation.

A.J. Hinch

The manager of the Detroit Tigers.

Keider Montero

A 25-year-old right-handed pitcher who has been starting in Verlander's absence, posting a 3.31 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings.

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What they’re saying

“We're just listening to his symptoms. I don't think it makes it more severe. I don't think it's playing the long game. I think it's just respecting the fact that he's not 100%, and we're not going to put him out there until he can complete the full return-to-play cycle.”

— A.J. Hinch, Manager, Detroit Tigers

What’s next

The Tigers will touch base with Verlander to gather more information upon returning to Comerica Park on Tuesday for the opener of a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

The takeaway

Verlander's ongoing injury issues highlight the challenges of managing veteran pitchers and the importance of taking a cautious approach to ensure a full recovery. The Tigers will need to carefully monitor Verlander's progress and not rush him back before he is fully healthy, even if it means missing additional time.