Overview
- Verlander told reporters Friday that a recent bullpen-style throwing session in Minnesota reached “really healthy velocity,” and he said that progress makes him optimistic about moving to bullpen work.
- He has not been cleared to pitch in a game and said he will only attempt a competitive return if it will not set back his recovery or hurt the Tigers’ chances.
- The Tigers have scheduled a two-day farewell at Comerica Park for Sept. 25–26 with a pregame ceremony, a charitable gift from the Detroit Tigers Foundation, and giveaways including a Verlander bobblehead and themed item for the first 15,000 fans.
- Verlander, 43, missed most of the season with a left hip issue and recurring left hamstring trouble after making one start on March 30 against Arizona; he announced his retirement in July.
- Verlander’s decision will balance personal closure and team needs, so the key things to watch are further bullpen clearances from trainers and the club’s health and roster status as the season winds down.