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Verlander and Flaherty Take Measured Steps Toward Late-Season Returns

The Tigers are using seven-day ramp plans and simulated mound work to verify health and avoid setbacks before deciding on activations.

Overview

  • Both Justin Verlander and Jack Flaherty threw on the Comerica Park mound on Saturday, Sept. 12, with Verlander doing a bullpen inning and Flaherty pitching a two-inning simulated game.
  • Verlander showed encouraging velocity during his session, touching about 93 mph on his four-seam fastball, and the club will monitor his recovery over a structured seven-day ramp.
  • The Tigers plan a live batting-practice or simulated outing for Verlander in Chicago as the next intensity step and are aiming, though not guaranteeing, for him to pitch during the Sept. 25–26 career celebration weekend.
  • Flaherty will travel with the team as a rehabber, take another outing in Toronto, and then make a follow-up rehab start; his long-term role on return remains open to short starts or multi-inning relief work.
  • The club is balancing player closure and roster needs by moving incrementally to limit re-injury risk, and this cautious approach will shape late-season activations as the Tigers assess recovery outcomes and workload tolerance.