Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch on Gage Workman for Kerry Carpenter
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch talks about Gage Workman, called up to replace injured Kerry Carpenter, on May 10, 2026, at Kauffman Stadium.
KANSAS CITY, MO – Detroit Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander has been transferred to the 60-day injured list.
It’s significant because it establishes the earliest possible date for his return.
Now, Verlander isn’t eligible to pitch for the Tigers until May 31.
“Not a ton different,” manager A.J. Hinch said Sunday, May 10, before the finale of a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. “We’ve had to listen to the symptoms and get him out on the mound competitive – and now, the build begins.”
The Tigers placed Verlander on the 15-day injured list April 4, retroactive to April 1, with left hip inflammation, so being transferred to the 60-day injured list takes him to May 31.
The 43-year-old made his first and only start this season March 30 against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, throwing 80 pitches while surrendering five runs on six hits and two walks with one strikeout across 3⅔ innings.
The Verlander decision created space for infielder Gage Workman to join the 40-man roster (replacing injured outfielder Kerry Carpenter on the 26-man roster) before Sunday’s game.
“That build could last two or three more times,” Hinch said. “When you look at that, sometime between May 26 and the early part of June was a range of outcomes if everything continues to progress.”
Verlander completed a 38-pitch live batting practice session before Saturday’s game, but he needs to face hitters again in a non-game setting at some point in the next seven days. He also needs to make a start in a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo.
It’s unclear when that will happen.
On May 31, the Tigers are scheduled to play against the Chicago White Sox in the finale of a three-game series at Guaranteed Rate Field.
It could be a start day for Verlander.
“This doesn’t change his program,” Hinch said. “It doesn’t necessarily push him back. But it allows for some adjustments to build him properly.”
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