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”
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.”
Verlander has also spent time with the San Francisco Giants, New York Mets and Houston Astros.
The two-time World Series Champion spent the first part of his legendary career with the Tigers from 2005-17.
Chris McCosky of The Detroit News wrote (on May 20): “Those on my timeline freaking out about Justin Verlander’s sim game, come on. These are pitch-count and stamina building outings, mostly, and a chance to monitor velocity and pitch shapes. It’s a box to be checked, hardly predictive of anything that matters right now.”
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