In a move that reshapes the timeline for the Detroit Tigers' rotation, veteran ace Justin Verlander has been transferred to the 60-day injured list, officially setting his earliest possible return date for May 31. This marks a significant step in the 43-year-old right-hander's recovery from left hip inflammation, an injury that has sidelined him since his lone start of the season on March 30.

Verlander's 2025 debut was a tough one: facing the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, he surrendered five runs on six hits and two walks over just 3⅔ innings, throwing 80 pitches. Since then, he's been working his way back, recently completing a 38-pitch live batting practice session. However, he still needs to face hitters again in a controlled setting within the next week, followed by a rehab start with Triple-A Toledo before rejoining the big-league club.

The roster move also opened the door for infielder Gage Workman to join the 40-man roster, stepping in for outfielder Kerry Carpenter, who landed on the injured list. Workman was called up from Triple-A Toledo just in time for the series finale against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.

For Tigers fans, the countdown is on: Verlander is scheduled to be eligible to pitch on May 31, when Detroit faces the Chicago White Sox in the finale of a three-game series at Guaranteed Rate Field. Until then, the team will rely on its depth to hold the fort while their future Hall of Famer prepares for his comeback.