Tigers scratch Justin Verlander from return start after veteran pitcher suffers left hamstring strain
Justin Verlander won't start Sunday after all. The veteran was scheduled to make his first appearance for the Detroit Tigers since March 30. It would've also been his first start for the Tigers at Comerica Park in close to nine years.
Because of a new injury, though, the nine-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion right-handed pitcher will be out for a while longer.
Detroit manager A.J. Hinch told reporters that Verlander's most recent setback is expected to keep him out weeks.
Verlander, who was working his way back from a left hip issue that landed him on the injured list one start into his reunion with the Tigers, is now nursing a left hamstring strain that he suffered during a bullpen session in Houston.
The Tigers were there for a three-game series against the Astros, with whom Verlander won both of his rings, and now they're back home preparing for a three-game set versus the Chicago White Sox.
Verlander was penciled in to start the series finale against the AL Central-leading White Sox. His Tigers have been bitten by the injury bug in 2026 and are in last place in the division, with a 30-44 record.
"My hip actually feels fairly good," Verlander said, according to MLB.com. "All of a sudden, my hamstring was bugging me, and I had to cut my bullpen short. Anytime I'm not able to get my work in, it means something's definitely off, so we decided to get it looked at, and there's a strain.
"Just really unfortunate, man. It just sucks. I don't know how else to say it."
Verlander, 43, is in his 21st MLB season. In February, he agreed to a one-year deal worth $13 million to come back to the Tigers. He spent his first 12-plus seasons in the majors with the club.
During the 2011 campaign, Verlander won the AL's pitching Triple Crown, leading the league in wins (24), strikeouts (250) and ERA (2.40). That season, he earned the first of his three AL Cy Young Awards and his lone AL MVP Award. Verlander helped the Tigers reach the World Series in both 2006 and 2012.
His return to the franchise hasn't gone according to plan. Verlander was roughed up in his only start. He gave up five runs, six hits and two walks and tallied just one strikeout in 3 2/3 innings of a 9-6 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Due to his latest injury, Verlander will have to wait even longer before he can wash that bad taste out of his mouth.
