Justin Verlander is set to pitch a simulated game in Houston as he works his way back from injury to rejoin the Tigers' rotation. This comes after a challenging rehab outing where he allowed four home runs, raising concerns about his readiness. Manager A.J. Hinch remains optimistic, noting Verlander is close to a return and wants to maintain a regular five-day routine for him. The Tigers also look to stabilize their pitching staff with recent returns from other pitchers.

By the Numbers
  • Verlander gave up four solo home runs in his latest rehab start.
  • The Tigers have the option for a six-man rotation following the placement of Jack Flaherty on the injured list.
State of Play
  • Verlander's upcoming simulated game aims to gauge his readiness for Major League competition.
  • Recent returns from Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal will influence the Tigers’ rotation strategy moving forward.
What's Next

Following the simulated game, the Tigers will reassess Verlander's status to determine if he can rejoin the rotation. Depending on his performance, there may be adjustments to the rotation dynamics as the team navigates their pitching staff challenges.

Bottom Line

Verlander's return is crucial for the Tigers, but recent performance suggests he may need more time to regain his form. The team is cautiously optimistic while seeking to balance their rotation effectively as they integrate him back into their lineup.