Detroit — Justin Verlander is advancing toward what could be his final appearance on the mound during the final year of his playing career.
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch revealed that the three-time Cy Young Award winner delivered his hardest pitching effort in over a month during a session on Saturday.
“That was a positive indicator,” Hinch stated on Sunday prior to Detroit concluding their series against Colorado.
The Tigers have organized a two-day tribute to Verlander’s career upon hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates in two weeks, marking the final regular-season series, with the hope that he will be able to pitch.
“We are targeting that weekend, which we recognize will be an emotional and significant occasion for him,” Hinch noted.
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The two-time World Series champion and 2011 American League MVP announced his plans to retire in July, shortly after being added as a Legend Pick to the AL All-Star roster during his 21st major league season.
The right-handed pitcher threw on Saturday with hitters positioned in the batter’s box but refraining from swinging, allowing him to gather feedback on his pitches.
Verlander was placed on the injured list early in the season due to hip inflammation. Just as he was nearing a return midway through the campaign, he suffered a hamstring strain during a bullpen session.
He was originally scheduled to pitch in June, which would have marked his first start at Comerica Park since August 30, 2017—the day before he was traded to the Houston Astros.
The Tigers intend to help Verlander prepare for a potential appearance by having him throw during live batting practice or a simulated game.
“He intends to pitch through anything, but we cannot afford a setback,” Hinch stated.
The 43-year-old Verlander remains the oldest active player in Major League Baseball. He signed a one-year, $13 million contract to return to the Tigers in February and has pitched only once this season, allowing five runs across 3⅔ innings in a 9-6 road loss to Arizona on March 30.
Verlander compiled a 183-115 record with the Tigers from 2005 to 2017. He claimed the AL Rookie of the Year award in 2006 and captured both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards in 2011. He guided Detroit to the World Series in 2006 and 2012, alongside four consecutive division titles from 2011 to 2014.
He was named the 2017 ALCS MVP in Houston, helped the Astros secure the World Series title that year, and was instrumental in their subsequent championship in 2022. He earned his second and third Cy Young Awards in 2019 and 2022.
Verlander holds a career record of 266-159 with a 3.33 ERA across 556 starts while playing for the Tigers, Astros, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants. He has recorded 3,554 strikeouts and tossed 26 complete games, including nine shutouts.