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CINCINNATI, OHIO - APRIL 26: Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers looks on from the dugout during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on April 26, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
The Detroit Tigers have been without one of their free agent signings, Justin Verlander, since MLB’s Opening Weekend, as Verlander went down with a hip issue that has required an extensive rehab assignment.
Remember, Verlander is 43-years-old, and signed with the Tigers on a one-year, $7.86 million contract before the 2026 season. The Tigers are currently taking on the Houston Astros. Detroit won the first game of the series and will now oppose Astros starter Hunter Brown. As for the Tigers, Framber Valdez will get the ball against his old team.
Back to Justin Verlander, he has pretty much missed the entire season so far, making only one start in 2026.
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GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 30: Starter Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of the home opener at Chase Field on March 30, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
Per @TalkinBaseball on X, “43-year-old Justin Verlander will start against the White Sox on Sunday, who have the youngest lineup in the American League with an average age of 25.8 Verlander made one start this season on March 30th before going on the injured list with hip inflammation.”
43-year-old Justin Verlander will start against the White Sox on Sunday, who have the youngest lineup in the American League with an average age of 25.8
Verlander made one start this season on March 30th before going on the injured list with hip inflammation
(via @cmccosky)
The Detroit Tigers are 30-42 this season and have not performed well to this point. However, adding Justin Verlander back to the rotation could help with some stability, and remember it’s a reunion deal as Verlander spent the first 14 seasons of his MLB career with Detroit.
Manager AJ Hinch indicated the plan for this weekend’s series against the White Sox to Tigers’ reporter Chris McCosky:
“Verlander, out since April 1 with hip inflammation, will make his first start at Comerica Park in a Tigers’ uniform since 2017 in the finale against the White Sox. Manager AJ Hinch announced the news before the game Tuesday. Tarik Skubal will start on Friday, and Hinch said he hopes Troy Melton will be able to start Saturday. Melton was scratched from his start on Monday with back stiffness. He worked out and felt better on Tuesday.”
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GettyDETROIT, MI – MAY 28: Pitchers Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers and Tarik Skubal #29, right, who are both on the injured list, watch from the dugout during the second inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park on May 28, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
As noted, Justin Verlander has made just one start with the Tigers this season. However, the Tigers legend holds a 3.81 ERA with Detroit over 381 total starts in parts of 14 seasons.
His BaseballReference.com page is Littered with black ink for his time with the Tigers, including 3 pWAR campaigns where he was either tops in the AL or tops in MLB. He led his respective league (or MLB) in strikeouts four times with the Tigers, and also has 2 WHIP titles with the club.
Now, onto more illustrious accolades, while with the Tigers, JV won the AL MVP award in 2011, which is pretty much mythical for a pitcher. On top of that, Verlander also has a Rookie of the Year award under his belt with the Tigers.
Over 2514.2 innings pitched with Detroit over the years, Verlander has punched out 2374 batters.
His return to the mound should be an exciting piece of news for Tigers fans!
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TJ French covers the MLB for Heavy. TJ is a graduate of the University of Georgia. He has 2+ years of writing experience. Follow TJ French on X: @tj_french5 More about TJ French
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