Verlander throws sim game, continues to stretch out for eventual rehab assignment

DETROIT – Justin Verlander threw a four-inning simulated game on Wednesday afternoon at Comerica Park, where he struck out three batters but allowed three home runs as he continues to implement mechanical tweaks and work his way into game shape.

Tigers officials will get together to evaluate the outing and then determine his next step.

“We’re obviously trying to get him ready for competition,” manager A.J. Hinch said Wednesday. “We’ll look at all of it over the next day.”

Verlander gave up back-to-back home runs to Jahmai Jones and Wenceel Pérez in his first inning. He settled down from there, but was clearly frustrated after giving up a second home run to Pérez in his third inning.

Verlander’s fastball sat at 92-93 miles per hour, according to Statcast data. It topped out at 94.6 mph on a second-inning pitch.

The Tigers have been deliberate about stretching out Verlander in simulated games before eventually sending him out on a rehab assignment. They could continue to stretch him with another simulated outing, or give him opposing hitters to face in a Minor League start.

Verlander has been on the injured list since April 4 with left hip inflammation after he made his Tigers return March 30 in a loss at Arizona. The Tigers have used the time to work on mechanical issues with Verlander for his health as well as his effectiveness. The Tigers moved him to the 60-day injured list May 10 once it became clear he would not be returning in May. He’s eligible to be reinstated from the 60-day IL on May 31, but that would be unlikely, since he still needs a rehab start.