Justin Verlander makes sad admission after latest setback

Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander. Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Tigers' Justin Verlander makes sad admission after latest setback

By David Hill | Last updated Jun 20, 2026 9:06 AM ET

The Detroit Tigers were expected to activate pitcher Justin Verlander to start Sunday's game against the White Sox. Instead, Verlander's return to the Tigers will be delayed.

Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reported that Verlander injured his left hamstring after throwing a bullpen session on Wednesday. His recovery from the latest injury is expected to be a "matter of weeks."

Although Verlander is not the pitcher he had been during his first stint in Detroit, his homecoming was expected to be a victory lap for his career.

He was returning to where his career began and was expected to serve as a back-of-the-rotation arm on a team with World Series aspirations.

The Tigers have scratched Justin Verlander from Sunday’s start. He reported a left hamstring injury after throwing a bullpen Wednesday in Houston.

The Tigers expect his recovery to be “a matter of weeks”
— Cody Stavenhagen (@CodyStavenhagen) June 19, 2026

The setback led to Verlander making a sad but honest admission. “I’ve always said I want to play until the wheels fall off. And I don’t know, maybe they are falling off,” Verlander said.

Justin Verlander was scratched from his return to Comerica Park once again.

Now expected to miss weeks, his latest injury creates harder thoughts.

“I’ve always said I want to play until the wheels fall off. And I don’t know, maybe they are falling off.”https://t.co/Tuehjyyfxw
— Cody Stavenhagen (@CodyStavenhagen) June 19, 2026

Justin Verlander's homecoming with Detroit Tigers not going according to plan

Instead, the 2026 season has been a disaster for both Verlander and the Tigers. Injuries and ineffectiveness have decimated the Tigers roster as they entered Friday with a 30-44 record, tied with the Royals in the AL Central basement.

Verlander, meanwhile, made only one start for the Tigers before landing on the IL with left hip inflammation. He allowed five runs on six hits and two walks over his 3.2 innings, striking out only one batter. Verlander did show signs that he had something left in the tank during his two rehab appearances in Triple-A, posting a 3.38 ERA and a 1.031 WHIP in his 10.2 innings, striking out six batters with two walks. It was possible that he could help the Tigers as they look to claw their way back into the playoff hunt.

Instead, Verlander's swan song could end on a bittersweet note. He will remain on the injured list over the next few weeks as the Tigers try to climb the standings.

David Hill

Based in the mountains of Vermont, Dave has over a decade of experience writing about all things baseball. Just don't ask his thoughts on the universal DH.

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