Detroit Tigers Announce Unfortunate Decision on Justin Verlander

Still, the optics are difficult.

The Tigers entered 2026 hoping Verlander could provide stability and veteran leadership behind Tarik Skubal and Framber Valdez. Instead, injuries have limited him to fewer than four innings all season.

Verlander Still Working Toward Return

Despite the unfortunate roster move, Verlander is continuing to progress through rehab.

The veteran recently completed a 38-pitch simulated game against live hitters in Kansas City, though he admitted afterward that he “wasn’t as sharp” as he hoped.

Detroit still wants Verlander to face hitters again before beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo.

At this point, however, there is no official schedule for when that will happen.

Tigers Rotation Situation Keeps Getting Worse

The Justin Verlander injury situation is just one piece of a much larger problem for Detroit.

The Tigers are already without Tarik Skubal following elbow surgery, while Casey Mize, Troy Melton, and others also remain sidelined. Framber Valdez recently began serving a suspension as well, leaving Detroit scrambling for innings almost every night.

What once looked like one of baseball’s deepest rotations has quickly turned into survival mode.

Now, Tigers fans officially know they will be waiting even longer for Verlander’s return.