CINCINNATI – Right-hander Justin Verlander completed another bullpen session, getting closer to returning from the injured list.
The session occurred Saturday, April 25, at Great American Ball Park before the second of three games between the Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds.
"That's the most excited that I've heard him after his bullpens, which is a great sign," manager A.J. Hinch said before Saturday. "I don't know what it means yet. But I know he was really pleased."
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The 43-year-old hasn't pitched in a game since March 30. He is trending toward a return to a competitive situation at some point within the 10 days, whether that's a simulated game or, more likely, a rehab assignment.
Verlander will travel with the Tigers for their next road series against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park.
There might be a hitter who stands in during the next bullpen to help prepare Verlander for his return to the competition, but that will be determined as Hinch, Verlander and pitching coach Chris Fetter continue to discuss the best path forward.
"Whether that's another bullpen or if we're going to get a hitter to stand in, I don't know," Hinch said, "but the intensity of this bullpen is what we were hoping to see, and he executed."
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Right-hander Troy Melton isn't eligible to return to the Tigers until May 25 because he's on the 60-day injured list with a right elbow strain.
Melton completed a live batting practice session Thursday, which cleared him to participate in a schedule that mirrors spring training over the next month.
The Tigers wish Melton could be an option to save their struggling bullpen right now.
"They both threw bullpens," Hinch said before Friday's game, referencing Melton and right-handed reliever Beau Brieske. "What that means, basically, is now we have to recreate spring training for both of them."
In 2025, Melton registered a 2.76 ERA with 15 walks and 36 strikeouts across 45⅔ innings in 16 games (four starts). The 25-year-old had a below-average 23.3% whiff rate, which led to a below-average 20% strikeout rate.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers injury update: Justin Verlander, Troy Melton progress