Detroit Tigers fans will have to keep waiting for Justin Verlander at Comerica Park.
The Tigers scratched Verlander on Friday, June 19, from his scheduled start Sunday against the Chicago White Sox with a left hamstring strain. The 43-year-old right-hander was gearing up for what would’ve been his first start for the Tigers at Comerica Park since Aug. 20, 2017.
It’s been nearly nine years.
Now, it’s going to be at least a couple more weeks.
“This is not a matter of days,” manager A.J. Hinch said before Friday’s opener of a three-game series against the White Sox. “It’s a matter of weeks.”
Verlander was supposed to return Sunday from left hip inflammation, but he reported a left hamstring strain after Wednesday’s bullpen session in preparation for Sunday’s start.
He has been on the injured list since April 1.
Replacing Verlander, right-hander Keider Montero will start Sunday’s game against the White Sox.
The Tigers signed Verlander to a one-year, $13 million contract in early February.
So far, Verlander has pitched just once in his second stint with the Tigers, surrendering five runs across 3⅔ innings March 30 against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix.
He previously pitched for the Tigers from 2005-17.
This story will be updated.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Justin Verlander scratched from Sunday’s start by Detroit Tigers
Reporting by Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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By Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
