Tigers Place Verlander on 15-Day IL with Hip Injury

Veteran right-hander to miss first home start since rejoining Detroit

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:38am

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The Detroit Tigers have placed veteran right-hander Justin Verlander on the 15-day injured list due to left hip inflammation, the team announced. The 43-year-old struggled in his first start of the season, lasting just 3 2/3 innings and allowing five earned runs against the Arizona Diamondbacks. With Verlander sidelined, the Tigers have recalled right-hander Keider Montero from Triple-A Toledo to step into the rotation.

Why it matters

Verlander's return to Detroit was one of the most anticipated storylines of the Tigers' season, as the future Hall of Famer looked to stabilize the rotation and provide veteran leadership. However, this early injury setback complicates those plans and creates an early-season void in the Tigers' pitching staff.

The details

In his first start of the 2026 season on March 30, Verlander struggled, allowing six hits and five earned runs while walking two and striking out just one batter against the Diamondbacks. The poor outing left him with a 12.27 ERA and 2.182 WHIP. With Verlander now on the injured list, the Tigers have recalled Keider Montero from Triple-A Toledo to take his spot in the rotation.

  • Verlander was placed on the 15-day injured list on April 4, 2026.
  • His first start of the season was on March 30, 2026, where he lasted just 3 2/3 innings.

The players

Justin Verlander

A 43-year-old veteran right-handed pitcher who recently rejoined the Detroit Tigers after a Hall of Fame career.

Keider Montero

A right-handed pitcher who has been recalled from Triple-A Toledo to fill Verlander's spot in the Tigers' rotation.

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What they’re saying

“The timing is difficult to ignore.”

— Don Drysdale, Author

What’s next

The Tigers have not indicated that Verlander's injury is expected to linger beyond the minimum 15-day stint on the injured list, but the team will need to carefully balance the desire to get him back quickly with ensuring he is fully healthy before returning to the rotation.

The takeaway

This early injury setback for Justin Verlander complicates the Tigers' plans for the veteran right-hander and creates an early-season void in their pitching staff. The team will need to navigate the next couple of weeks carefully, balancing Verlander's health with the need to keep the rotation competitive in his absence.