Justin Verlander takes 'huge step' with injury, won't return when eligible
Justin Verlander took an important step by completing a bullpen session, but what does that mean for his chances of returning April 16 to Tigers?
Detroit Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander is eligible to return from the injured list Thursday, April 16, for a matchup against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park. That won't happen. The 43-year-old took a step in the right direction before Saturday's game against the Miami Marlins by completing a bullpen session, only the latest development hasn't cleared him to return from left hip inflammation.
"We're not going to activate him right off the bullpen," manager A. J. Hinch said pregame Saturday.
"We think this is a huge step for him with the high-intensity bullpen, and then we'll evaluate after that what's next. " LOSING STREAK ENDS: Javier Báez hits first home run in Tigers' 2-0 win vs. Marlins The Tigers placed Verlander on the injured list April 4, retroactive to April 1 .
Verlander allowed five runs on six hits and two walks with one strikeout across 3⅔ innings in his much-anticipated March 30 return to the Tigers, facing the Arizona Diamondbacks. He felt tightness in his left hip during that 80-pitch start. Before returning, Verlander needs to participate in at least one rehab start or simulated game.