Verlander impresses in Triple-A start, on track for long-awaited Comerica return

For the first time in 11 years, Justin Verlander took the mound in a Toledo Mud Hens uniform. The resulting five scoreless innings in his rehab start Tuesday night against the Triple-A Iowa Cubs could put him in line to make his long-awaited return to the mound at Comerica Park.

What was expected to be a test of live-game action for the 43-year-old Verlander, who built up his arm with simulated games over the past couple weeks, turned out to not be much of a challenge. He allowed just four hits, three of them singles, and no walks while striking out three. He threw 48 of his 64 pitches for strikes, and didn’t allow a ball in play over 99 miles per hour against an Iowa lineup that included several recent Major Leaguers.

While Verlander threw five pitch types, he leaned on his four-seam fastball and slider, which accounted for all 10 of his swinging strikes. His fastball averaged 93.5 miles per hour but topped out at 95.1, accounting for seven of his 10 called strikes. He confidently threw the heater at the top of the zone to fan Cubs No. 7 prospect Jonathan Long to end his first inning.

Verlander had to sit in the dugout through an eight-run Mud Hens outburst in the top of the fifth inning, but came back to retire the side in the bottom half, allowing only an infield single. He struck out Long again, this time chasing a slider.

Not bad for a pitcher who hadn’t faced live-game action since March 30 at Arizona. He went on the injured list a few days later with left hip inflammation, and his road back has been slowed as he worked on adjusting his mechanics to move more efficiently and pitch more effectively.

Whether Tuesday’s work is the final hurdle to rejoining the Tigers rotation remains to be seen. Manager A.J. Hinch wanted to see how Verlander fared before determining how long his rehab assignment might last, but the Tigers could have an opening for him this weekend. Ty Madden, filling in for the injured Casey Mize, lasted just 3 1/3 innings in his start Monday at Tampa Bay. His spot comes up again Sunday at home against the Mariners in an AL Division Series rematch.

Verlander could pitch that day on regular four days’ rest. It would mark his first start as a Tiger at Comerica Park since August 2017.