Manager AJ Hinch explains why Justin Verlander's IL stay will be extended

Detroit — The 15th day of Justin Verlander's 15-day stint on the injured list is Wednesday, meaning he would be eligible for activation on Thursday.

But manager AJ Hinch said Saturday that it won’t happen that soon.

“We are not going to activate him right off the bullpens,” he said. “He will likely need an outing before we get him back to the major league competition.”

Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander (35) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Chase Field.

It has yet to be determined whether that outing will be a sim game or a rehab start at Triple-A Toledo.

“It’s always a question of where the player can get the most out of where it is,” Hinch said. “Where that next round will be hasn’t been determined but all options are open.”

Verlander, who went on the injured list April 1 with left hip inflammation, threw a bullpen before the game Saturday.

“He’s thrown off the mound already and he’s doing it again today with a little more aggression to test himself a little bit,” Hinch said. “This is a huge step for him today, the high-intensity bullpen. We will evaluate after that.”

Verlander had the bullpen session after the clubhouse was closed and while Hinch spoke to the media, so there was no immediate opportunity to ask how it went.

Chris.McCosky@detroitnews.com

@cmccosky

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Manager AJ Hinch explains why Justin Verlander's IL stay will be extended