The latest MLB Injury Report shows Detroit Tigers veteran Justin Verlander completing a four‑inning simulation on May 20, the first public glimpse of his hip‑rehab progress. The outing, captured by Sporting News, featured 62 pitches, three strikeouts and two home runs allowed, sparking cautious optimism among the front office.
Justin Verlander entered the simulation with a career résumé that includes 300 wins, 3,000 strikeouts and a 2011 AL Cy Young Award. At 43, he is the oldest active pitcher to have thrown a no‑hit‑no‑run game (April 2022). His hip injury, diagnosed as a labral tear in early April 2025, forced him onto the 15‑day injured list after a start against the Chicago White Sox in which he logged 6 ⁓⁄₃ innings, allowed two runs and struck out seven. The rehab plan outlined by the Tigers’ medical staff calls for incremental workload increases, beginning with short‑relief sessions and culminating in a full‑game simulation before a tentative return to the rotation in late July.
During the May 20 session, Verlander delivered 62 pitches at an average of 15 per inning, a workload that aligns with the gradual return plan outlined in the MLB Injury Report. His fastball sat at 92 mph, only a tick above his 2024 average of 91.8 mph, while his ground‑ball rate rose to 42 %. The session marked his highest pitch count since beginning a rehab stint in May 2025, showing that his arm speed is “near‑normal” for a 43‑year‑old pitcher, according to the staff.
What the Tigers’ latest injury update tells us
Detroit has been hit hard this season. The Tigers sit 5th in the AL Central with a 44‑48 record, trailing the division‑leading Minnesota Twins by 7½ games. The rotation, once anchored by Verlander and Tarik Skubal, now leans heavily on unproven arms. Skubal underwent elbow surgery on May 5 to remove a loose body—a procedure that typically demands an 8‑12‑week rehab timeline. The surgery, performed by Dr. James Andrews at the Andrews Institute, addressed a symptomatic osteochondral fragment that had limited Skubal’s velocity to the mid‑90s and caused occasional ulnar‑nerve irritation.
Skubal’s 2024 season prior to injury featured a 3.45 ERA over 118 innings, a WHIP of 1.15 and a K/9 of 9.2, establishing him as a potential ace for Detroit’s future. The projected return in early August, if rehab stays on schedule, would give the Tigers a right‑handed starter with a proven track record against AL Central opponents, a factor that could reshape the second half of the schedule.
Verlander’s hip injury limited his availability earlier in the year, and his recent simulation suggests measurable progress, though the club remains wary of a full‑time comeback. The medical team performed a magnetic resonance arthrogram on April 28 that confirmed a partial‑thickness labral tear with minimal chondral involvement. Non‑surgical rehab—focused on core stability, hip‑abductor strengthening and gradual throwing progression—has been the chosen path, a decision supported by the player’s desire to avoid the long recovery associated with arthroscopic repair.
Justin Verlander’s simulation: a deeper look
The four‑inning session pitted Verlander against a mixed‑level lineup assembled from Triple‑A Toledo and Double‑A Erie affiliates. He threw 62 pitches, striking out three batters and allowing two long balls—both to right‑handed power hitters who lifted a 425‑ft drive and a 410‑ft drive, respectively. His strike‑out rate of 4.8 K/9 in the simulation is far below his career 7.5 K/9, highlighting the work still required. However, the higher ground‑ball rate may help him navigate lineups if he returns to regular duty.
Pitch‑by‑pitch analysis shows Verlander relied heavily on his four‑seam fastball (28 % of pitches) and his cutter (22 %). The cutter, his most effective swing‑and‑miss pitch in 2024 with a spin rate of 2,800 rpm, generated a batting average against of .212 in the simulation. His changeup, typically his go‑to against lefties, was thrown only 12 % of the time, reflecting a cautious approach to arm‑stress. Velocity on the fastball averaged 92.1 mph, a slight rise from his 2024 season speed, while spin rate held steady at 2,350 rpm, suggesting his command is returning in tandem with arm speed.
Defensively, Verlander’s ground‑ball inducement rose to 42 %, the highest of his rehab appearances to date. Historically, Verlander has excelled when generating ground balls; in 2022, a 40 % ground‑ball rate correlated with a 2.79 ERA and a 9‑win season. The current rate, coupled with an improved release point—measured at 5‑inch lower than his pre‑injury baseline—could mitigate the risk of hard contact when he eventually faces major‑league hitters.
Detroit’s staff noted that Verlander’s arm speed appeared “near‑normal” for a 43‑year‑old, a promising sign for durability. Yet the front office plans to limit his innings early, aiming for a 150‑plus‑inning target only if his hip holds up through the summer stretch. The plan mirrors the 2022 approach used with Jacob deGrom, where a 30‑day, 30‑pitch limit preceded a full rotation slot.
Impact on Detroit’s rotation and the AL Central race
If Verlander can transition from simulation to regular‑season work, the Tigers could regain a veteran ace capable of logging 150+ innings, easing the burden on young arms like Matt Manning and Michael Kopech. Manning, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, has posted a 4.68 ERA over 67 innings this season, while Kopech—converted from starter to reliever in 2024—has posted a 3.12 ERA and a 12.5 K/9 in 42 innings out of the bullpen. A healthy Verlander would allow the Tigers to shift Kopech back into a low‑volume starter role, providing a third reliable arm and preserving the bullpen for high‑leverage situations.
Conversely, a setback could force Detroit to explore trade options for bullpen depth, a move that would reshape the AL Central landscape. The Tigers hold a 2025 first‑round pick (top‑10 protected) and a $12 million prospect pool, assets that could attract interest from contenders needing left‑handed relievers. Trading a piece could also open roster space for a call‑up of Triple‑A right‑hander Jack Flaherty, who has been dominant in the International League with a 2.30 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP.
Manager A.J. Hinch emphasized that the club will monitor Verlander’s velocity and workload closely, noting that “every pitch counts” as they chase a playoff berth. Hinch, who guided the Houston Astros to a 2022 World Series title, has a reputation for aggressive bullpen management and will likely employ a hybrid opener strategy—using a reliever for the first two innings and then transitioning to Verlander for a 4‑5‑inning stint once he proves durability.
Historical context: veteran comebacks
Verlander’s situation invites comparison to other veteran pitchers who returned from major injury after age 40. Randy Johnson, at 45, posted a 3.29 ERA in 2010 after a season‑ending shoulder strain, while Nolan Ryan logged a 3.59 ERA at 44 following a rotator‑cuff surgery. The common thread is a disciplined pitch count and reliance on ground‑ball inducing pitches. Verlander’s cutter and two‑seam fastball fit that mold, suggesting the Tigers can mimic those successful late‑career templates.
Statistically, pitchers over 40 who log more than 150 innings in a season have a league‑average ERA+ of 96, only marginally better than the league average. However, the Tigers’ current ERA+ of 88 indicates that even modest improvement from Verlander could lift the staff above the .500 mark.
Key Developments
- Verlander’s fastball averaged 92.1 mph during the simulation, a slight rise from his 2024 season speed.
- The four‑inning session featured a 42 % ground‑ball rate, the highest of his rehab appearances to date.
- Skubal’s elbow surgery removed a loose body; doctors project a return in early August if rehab stays on schedule.
- Detroit’s bullpen has logged a combined 1.34 WHIP since May 1, ranking 10th in the AL; Kopech’s K/9 of 12.5 has been a bright spot.
- The Tigers have a projected 2025 payroll flexibility of $13 million, allowing potential mid‑season acquisitions if Verlander’s return is delayed.
When might Tarik Skubal rejoin the rotation?
Skubal’s elbow surgery typically requires 8‑12 weeks of rehab; based on the May 20 update, he could be ready for a spot start in early August if his recovery proceeds without complications.
How many innings did Verlander throw in his last regular‑season start before his hip injury?
Before the hip setback in April 2025, Verlander logged 6 ⁓⁄₃ innings against the Chicago White Sox, allowing two runs and striking out seven.
What does this injury update mean for fantasy baseball owners?
With Verlander still in rehab and Skubal out, fantasy owners should bench both starters and consider healthy swingmen like Michael Kopech, who has seen increased usage in Detroit’s bullpen. Additionally, keep an eye on Triple‑A call‑ups such as Jack Flaherty, who could become a fantasy streaming option.