Justin Verlander Injury: Tigers Ace Sidelined with Hip Inflammation

The Detroit Tigers placed 43-year-old Justin Verlander on the 15-day IL with left hip inflammation, stalling his first Comerica Park start since 2017.

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers placed 43-year-old right-hander Justin Verlander on the 15-day injured list this Saturday due to left hip inflammation. This roster move officially postpones his anticipated return to the mound at Comerica Park, which was originally slated for Sunday night. Had he pitched, it would have marked his first appearance in a Detroit home uniform since August 20, 2017. Instead, the Justin Verlander injury forces the oldest active player in the major leagues to the sidelines after just one outing in his second stint with the franchise.

In his 2024 season debut against Arizona on Monday, the veteran struggled through 3 2/3 innings of work. During that appearance, he surrendered five runs on six hits and ultimately took the loss. The outing served as his first regular-season action since re-joining the club on a one-year, $13 million contract signed this past February. Before returning to Michigan, the righty spent the previous season with San Francisco, following a long tenure in Houston that began when he was traded at the 2017 deadline.

Roster Adjustments and Pitching Replacements

To fill the vacancy on the active roster, the Tigers recalled right-handed pitcher Keider Montero from Triple-A Toledo. Montero is the projected starter for the series finale against St. Louis, stepping into the rotation spot vacated by the three-time Cy Young winner. This pitching change comes during the final leg of a three-game set at home. The club must now navigate at least two weeks without their most experienced starter as he recovers from the joint irritation in his left hip.

Verlander’s Historic Detroit Legacy

Verlander’s history with the organization spans over a decade, featuring 380 total starts for Detroit between 2005 and 2017. His departure seven years ago halted a dominant era in Tigers pitching history, and his return this spring was intended to provide veteran stability to the current rotation. The $13 million deal signed in February was designed to bring his career full circle, though the current medical setback prevents him from adding to his franchise start total for the immediate future.

Impact on the Tigers Rotation

The timing of the Justin Verlander injury disrupts a significant milestone for the Detroit fan base. Sunday's scheduled game was marketed as the homecoming for the franchise icon. While the veteran's first start of the year resulted in an 0-1 record and a high earned run average following the five-run outburst by Arizona, his presence remained a focal point of the team's early-season narrative. The Tigers will now rely on Montero to provide length against the St. Louis lineup as they wait for their veteran leader to eligible for reinstatement from the IL.