Season-altering Justin Verlander injury update proves Tigers' 2026 was always doomed

When the Tigers announced Justin Verlander's official return to the mound, fans had ample reason to be skeptical.

Just the day before, AJ Hinch made an appearance on MLB Network Radio to cast doubt on Verlander's readiness. He said he was "lacking the adrenaline that comes with pitching in game situations" which, sure, is fixable by actually getting him into game situations; but also that his pitches haven't been consistent, which is more worrisome.

Verlander himself admitted that he wasn't 100%, but no one "sees the point in trying to delay this any further." In other words, they wanted to get him onto the mound ... just to get him on the mound?

To no one's shock but everyone's exasperation, the Tigers dropped another bomb on Friday. Verlander will not be making his return to Comerica, scheduled for Sunday. Instead, he'll go back onto the IL, this time with a hamstring injury. His return will now be "a matter of weeks."

You just have to laugh so you won't cry. It's really, truly looking like the Tigers will not see Verlander back on the mound at all this season — and no one would be surprised if things turn out that way.

Justin Verlander scratched from Sunday start for Tigers after reporting another injury

Verlander's initial hip injury triggered Tigers fans immediately. That was exactly what kept Alex Cobb off the mound in 2025 — just on the opposite side. At least Verlander is making $2 million less than Cobb did...? Yay?

The single start Verlander made against the Diamondbacks (when he only lasted 3 2/3 innings and gave up five runs) might very well be the first and last we see of a Tigers Mt. Rushmore player after all of the fanfare that came with his re-signing.

On the bright side, the Tigers have had to deal with life without Verlander for the entire season, and given that first start, we can't say with any confidence that the Tigers are worse off without him in the rotation. Keider Montero — who was bumped back to the bullpen to prepare for Verlander's return but will now be starting on Sunday in Verlander's place — has become a stalwart for Detroit.

More than anything, it's just sad. Tigers fans just really wanted to see Verlander wearing the Old English D again, pitching in Detroit. One bad start in Phoenix might be all we get.

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