Justin Verlander’s simulated Tigers game comes with ups and downs

The Detroit Tigers rolled without Justin Verlander for nearly two months amid his MLB Injury. The 43-year-old Verlander is dealing with a hip ailment but began a rehab journey last Friday. Now Verlander’s trek back to the mound took a new turn through a simulated Tigers game.

Tigers insider for mlb.com Jason Beck dropped an update on Verlander’s Wednesday outing, which came with ups and downs.

“Justin Verlander threw a four-inning simulated game today. Unofficial count: 62 pitches. He gave up three home runs, struck out three. Fastball sat 92-93 mph, topping out at 94.6,” Beck posted on the social media website X, formerly Twitter.

Verlander has long been a pillar of the game. His career features nine MLB All-Star appearances plus two Cy Young Award wins. He’s also one of the more recognizable athletes in the Motor City, having spent 14 of his 22 seasons with Detroit. Of course, he’s beloved by Houston Astros fans too in leading World Series title runs in 2017 and 2022.

But the Tigers likely are exercising caution with Verlander given his age. Plus the right-hander hasn’t performed at his past level in recent years. He especially struggled with the San Francisco Giants in 2025; finishing with a 4-11 overall record and surrendered 155 total hits, his most since 2018 with the Astros.

Verlander isn’t the only arm attempting to return to the lineup. Manager A.J. Finch added Tarik Skubal needed to remove some loose bodies in his elbow and is aiming to come back from his own surgery. Detroit is 20-29 overall and tied with the worst record in the American league Central.

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