Detroit Tigers fans, get ready for some good news: veteran right-hander Justin Verlander is one step closer to returning to the mound. The 43-year-old ace completed a two-inning simulated game on Saturday, marking his first time facing live hitters since landing on the injured list with left hip inflammation.

Verlander, who signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Tigers in February, hasn't pitched in a competitive game since his season debut on March 30. That makes this simulated outing a significant milestone in his rehab journey. "I wasn't as sharp as I would like to be," Verlander admitted before Saturday's game against the Kansas City Royals. "Physically, it was another step in the right direction. Check the box and keep moving forward."

During the two-inning session, all eight batters he faced put the ball in play. Verlander threw 17 pitches in the first inning and 21 in the second, generating just four swings and misses. Among the highlights: infielder Hao-Yu Lee crushed a line drive to left-center field that would have been a double, while outfielder Wenceel Pérez sent a fly ball to right that could have gone for extra bases.

The Tigers placed Verlander on the 15-day injured list on April 4, retroactive to April 1, due to the hip issue. The 21-year MLB veteran is expected to need at least one rehab start with Triple-A Toledo before rejoining the big league club. For now, he's not quite ready for that assignment, but Saturday's outing represents real progress. Every pitch thrown in this simulated game brings him closer to wearing the Olde English D in a real game—and that's something every Tigers fan can get excited about.