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CINCINNATI, OHIO - APRIL 26: Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers looks on from the dugout during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on April 26, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
On Thursday afternoon, the Detroit Tigers lost to the Cleveland Guardians by a score of 3-1.
They got swept in the four-game series at Comerica Park.
Tigers Manager Makes Honest Justin Verlander Statement
GettyManager A.J. Hinch #14 of the Detroit Tigers watches from the dugout during the third inning of the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on March 31, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
The Tigers have dealt with a lot of injuries this season.
One player who has been out (since March 30) is future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander.
Before Thursday’s game, manager A.J. Hinch spoke about Verlander.
Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic wrote: “A.J. Hinch said Justin Verlander is “inching forward more than sprinting forward.”
“No steps back is a good thing. Do we want him to take a quantum leap? Yes. Is he ready for competition? No.”
Verlander will throw in Baltimore, do another live BP next week”
A.J. Hinch said Justin Verlander is “inching forward more than sprinting forward.”
“No steps back is a good thing. Do we want him to take a quantum leap? Yes. Is he ready for competition? No.”
Verlander will throw in Baltimore, do another live BP next week
Verlander struggled in his only game of the season.
He went 3.2 innings, letting up six hits (with five earned runs).
The 43-year-old threw his most recent simulated on Wednesday.
Jason Beck of MLB.com wrote: “Justin Verlander threw a 4-inning simulated game today. Unofficial count: 62 pitches. He gave up 3 home runs, struck out 3. Fastball sat 92-93 mph, topping out at 94.6.”
Justin Verlander threw a 4-inning simulated game today. Unofficial count: 62 pitches. He gave up 3 home runs, struck out 3. Fastball sat 92-93 mph, topping out at 94.6.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years. He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar