CHICAGO — Justin Verlander may be close to returning to the Detroit Tigers’ rotation.
Verlander, 32, has been on the disabled list since Opening Day due to a strained right triceps, but after a strong Saturday outing at Triple-A Toledo, the veteran right-hander may be on the verge of a major league comeback.
He struck out nine and allowed one unearned run on five hits in a 5 2/3-inning rehab start for Toledo.
“Everything was much better,” Verlander told the Detroit News. “I think the most improved was the fastball control.”
A 2006 American League Rookie of the Year and 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young Award winner, Verlander was 15-12 with a 3.74 ERA in 32 starts last year. He recorded double-digit victory totals in every season since 2006 and made at least 30 starts in that span.
Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said he knows when Verlander will make his first start, but he declined reveal details following the Tigers’ 6-4 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.
The news was disappointing for another Tigers arm.
Rehabbing right-hander Bruce Rondon also pitched for Toledo on Saturday. He worked one-plus innings and allowed four runs on four hits and three walks. He struck out one. Rondon is on the disabled list due to biceps tendinitis.
Fantasy Update: Verlander owners should proceed with caution before throwing him right back into your starting lineup. It may take Verlander a couple of starts to get his rhythm back.