Tigers Make Move After Justin Verlander's Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Oscar Martines | Last updated Apr 4, 2026 2:48 PM ET

The Detroit Tigers have placed pitcher Justin Verlander on the 15-day injured list due to left hip inflammation. Verlander is expected to miss the next two starts.

With Verlander out of the picture temporarily, the Tigers recalled right-handed pitcher Keider Montero from Triple-A Toledo. This move will likely allow Montero to eat some of the innings while Verlander recovers from his injury.

Verlander's injury was noticeable during his first start of the season against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He pitched for 3.2 innings, giving up five runs in six hits in the process.

This is Verlander's fourth injury since 2024, having previously suffered injuries in his neck, shoulder, and pectoral areas. Despite the setbacks, Verlander has remained an important veteran piece in every team he's played at.

The Tigers today placed RHP Justin Verlander on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to April 1) with left hip inflammation. RHP Keider Montero has been recalled from Triple-A Toledo.
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) April 4, 2026

At 43 years old, Verlander is the oldest active MLB player this season. Tigers Make Move After Justin Verlander's InjuryHe recently made his move back to the Tigers in the offseason, the team that saw him make his first start in MLB. This season also marks Verlander's 22nd season in the MLB.

Verlander signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Tigers this offseason, the same team that saw him make his MLB debut back in 2005. He was expected to make his first start at Comerica Park for the first time in over 3,000+ days before being sidelined with the injury.

Verlander played the first 13 years of his career in Detroit, where he accomplished many accolades in his career. In 2011, while still playing for the Tigers, Verlander had his most successful year in MLB, winning the Pitching Triple Crown, the AL Cy Young award unanimously, and the AL MVP award.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander (35) © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

While Verlander had won many individual awards in Detroit, Verlander would fail to win the World Series, with the Tigers only making it to the final on two occasions to failing to win any of them.

Verlander would finally reach the pinnacle of the mountain once he arrived to the Houston Astros in 2017. He would win his first World Series ring in 2017 after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games, followed by a second ring in 2022, defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in six games.

After all the success in Houston, Verlander has moved around a bit in the league. He joined the Mets in 2023 before returning to Houston mid-season, then joined the San Francisco Giants in 2025 before making his eventual return to Detroit.

The Tigers are currently in 3rd place in the AL Central, sitting behind the Cleveland Guardians and the Kansas City Royals. With the season still young, the Tigers have plenty of time to make a strong push into a contending spot.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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