The Detroit Tigers are making waves in the 2026 season, particularly with their strategic decision to retain Tarik Skubal for his final year under club control. Skubal, a 29-year-old southpaw, made headlines with a significant arbitration settlement back in February, marking his last year before hitting free agency. Unfortunately, the Tigers were dealt a significant blow when Skubal was sidelined due to surgery on his left elbow.
But just as the Tigers’ fanbase was grappling with this setback, a beacon of hope emerged from the bullpen. Justin Verlander, a name synonymous with pitching excellence, is inching closer to making his much-anticipated return to the mound.
The 43-year-old veteran recently completed a bullpen session without a hitch, signaling a positive step in his rehabilitation journey. “I’m feeling good,” Verlander shared with reporters at Comerica Park.
“I’m starting the build-up process. I don’t know exactly what that looks like, but physically, I’m feeling much better, and mechanically, I’m also feeling much better.
Those are good signs.”
Verlander is set to throw another bullpen session on Wednesday, with plans to face hitters in a simulated game over the weekend. Before he can officially return to the Tigers’ rotation, he’ll likely need an additional step, such as a rehab start or another sim game. Verlander was placed on the 15-day injured list on April 4 due to left hip inflammation, after a challenging start to the season where he allowed five earned runs over 3.2 innings.
This weekend, Verlander will accompany the Tigers on their road trip for a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals. He’s slated to throw a live batting practice session at Kauffman Stadium on May 9.
“I’m definitely looking forward to it,” Verlander expressed. “The biggest thing I’m going to focus on is trying to maintain the mechanics that I’ve been working so diligently on-and having those transfer over to when you’re competing.
It’s nice to face hitters in a non-game atmosphere so you can focus more on yourself and not just on results.”
Before rejoining the Tigers’ rotation, Verlander may need to complete a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo. The three-time Cy Young Award winner rejoined the Tigers with a one-year, $13 million contract in the offseason, and his return could be pivotal for Detroit’s pitching staff as they navigate the ups and downs of the season.