The Detroit Tigers placed starting pitcher Justin Verlander on the 15-day injured list (IL) due to left hip inflammation on Saturday, April 6. The news comes after Verlander had a poor start to the 2026 MLB season with Detroit, allowing five runs in 3.2 innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks. So, what's the latest on the status of the three-time Cy Young Award winner?
Verlander is scheduled to throw a bullpen session for the Tigers on Saturday, the organization reports. In Verlander's place, Kidder Montero will take the field on Friday night against the Miami Marlins. This means the Detroit pitcher likely won't start a game until Thursday, April 16 against the Kansas City Royals.
It has been well documented that Verlander's hip injury isn't bad and if it weren't for April he probably would have recovered from it. Verlander was placed on the IL a day before returning to Comerica Park, which would have been against the St. Louis Cardinals during an Easter Night game at the Peacocks.
This is a great step in the right direction for the 43-year-old pitcher. It's unclear what will happen with Verlander after the bullpen session. As long as he can return soon, he won't need rehab at Triple-A Toledo. However, there is no reason to recall Verlander right now.
While the Tigers have struggled to start the 2026 MLB season, they need Verlander. Montero played well in his debut against St. Louis and has a lot of experience in MLB over the past few seasons. As long as it doesn't lose against Miami, Detroit should be in good shape.
Verlander will pitch at Comerica Park soon, but not until the Tigers feel confident he is ready.
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