Overview
- After a high‑intensity bullpen Saturday, manager A.J. Hinch said Verlander will not be activated immediately and will not return when first eligible on Thursday, April 16.
- The Tigers say Verlander will need at least one tune‑up, either a simulated game or a Triple‑A start, with the exact plan still under review.
- Verlander said he bounced back well from the session and described his recovery as moving forward.
- Detroit placed the 43‑year‑old on the 15‑day injured list retroactive to April 1 after his March 30 outing of 3⅔ innings with five runs allowed, when he felt tightness in his left hip.
- Scheduling could shape the rehab choice, with Triple‑A Toledo on the road next week and High‑A West Michigan nearby in Lansing, which makes a sim game or a later Toledo date plausible based on team comments.