Tigers Win, but Add Verlander to IL

Detroit crushes Cardinals 11-6 as Verlander lands on injured list with hip inflammation

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:06pm

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The Detroit Tigers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 11-6 in a rain-shortened game, with several Tigers players hitting their first home runs of the season. However, the team also announced that star pitcher Justin Verlander has been added to the injured list with hip inflammation, though he said the injury does not appear to be serious.

Why it matters

The Tigers' win helps them stay in the playoff race in the competitive American League, but the loss of Verlander, even if temporary, is a significant blow as he is one of their top pitchers. The team will need to rely on other starters like Keider Montero to fill in during Verlander's absence.

The details

In the game against the Cardinals, Tigers hitters Kerry Carpenter, Zach McInstry, Gleyber Torres and Matt Vierling all hit their first home runs of the season, helping Detroit to an 11-6 victory in a game that was cut short by rain in the ninth inning. However, the team also announced that ace pitcher Justin Verlander has been placed on the injured list with hip inflammation, though he said the injury does not appear to be serious and he could return to the rotation by late next week.

  • The Tigers defeated the Cardinals 11-6 yesterday afternoon.
  • The game was cut short in the ninth inning due to rain.

The players

Justin Verlander

A star pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who has been placed on the injured list with hip inflammation, though he said the injury does not appear to be serious.

Keider Montero

A pitcher who has been called up from the Toledo Mud Hens to fill in for Verlander in the Tigers' rotation.

Kerry Carpenter

A Detroit Tigers player who hit his first home run of the season in the game against the Cardinals.

Zach McInstry

A Detroit Tigers player who hit his first home run of the season in the game against the Cardinals.

Gleyber Torres

A Detroit Tigers player who hit his first home run of the season in the game against the Cardinals.

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What they’re saying

“The injury doesn't seem to be serious, but prudence is appropriate this early in the season. I could be back in the rotation by late next week.”

— Justin Verlander

What’s next

The Tigers host the Cardinals again tonight, with Keider Montero starting against Kyle Leahy. Detroit will need Montero and other starters to step up in Verlander's absence.

The takeaway

While the Tigers' offensive outburst and win over the Cardinals was a positive, the loss of Justin Verlander to the injured list, even if temporary, is a significant blow that could impact their playoff hopes if the injury lingers. The team will need other pitchers to step up in Verlander's absence.