Retiring pitcher Justin Verlander threw his hardest session in over a month as he prepares for a potential final appearance against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch reported that Justin Verlander threw off the mound on Saturday with increased velocity, marking his hardest session in over a month. The 43-year-old right-hander, who is currently the oldest player in Major League Baseball, faced hitters who stood in the batter's box to provide feedback without swinging. The Tigers are targeting the final regular-season series against the Pittsburgh Pirates in two weeks for Verlander to make one last start before his retirement.
Verlander has been limited to a single appearance this season, a March 30 road loss against Arizona where he allowed five runs in 3⅔ innings. His 21st major league season has been hindered by injuries, including early-season hip inflammation and a subsequent hamstring pull during a bullpen session. The three-time Cy Young Award winner signed a one-year, $13 million contract in February to return to Detroit, but he has not pitched at Comerica Park since August 30, 2017.
To prepare for the upcoming series against Pittsburgh, the Tigers plan to have Verlander throw in a simulated game or live batting practice. The two-time World Series champion announced his retirement plans in July after being named a Legend Pick for the American League All-Star roster. Verlander enters the final weeks of his career with 3,554 strikeouts and a 266-159 record across 556 starts with the Tigers, Astros, Mets, and Giants.
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