Justin Verlander injury update: 'Very positive.' What about Troy Melton?

There might be a hitter who stands in during the next bullpen to help prepare Verlander for his return to the competition, but that will be determined as Hinch, Verlander and pitching coach Chris Fetter continue to discuss the best path forward.

"Whether that's another bullpen or if we're going to get a hitter to stand in, I don't know," Hinch said, "but the intensity of this bullpen is what we were hoping to see, and he executed."

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Troy Melton injury update

Right-hander Troy Melton isn't eligible to return to the Tigers until May 25 because he's on the 60-day injured list with a right elbow strain.

The timeline lines up with the rehab process.

Melton completed a live batting practice session Thursday, which cleared him to participate in a schedule that mirrors spring training over the next month.

"Mid-90s with his fastball," Hinch said.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Troy Melton, left, and pitching coach Chris Fetter get ready for a live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.

The Tigers wish Melton could be an option to save their struggling bullpen right now.

But they'll have to wait.

"They both threw bullpens," Hinch said before Friday's game, referencing Melton and right-handed reliever Beau Brieske. "What that means, basically, is now we have to recreate spring training for both of them."

In 2025, Melton registered a 2.76 ERA with 15 walks and 36 strikeouts across 45⅔ innings in 16 games (four starts). The 25-year-old had a below-average 23.3% whiff rate, which led to a below-average 20% strikeout rate.

Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers injury update: Justin Verlander, Troy Melton progress