Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander has been scratched from his scheduled start with a left hamstring strain. The 43-year-old was working his way back from a prior hip injury when the new issue arose during a bullpen session.
Manager A.J. Hinch said the latest injury will sideline Verlander for weeks rather than days. Verlander had been on the injured list since March 30 with left hip inflammation and made just one start this season.
"My hip actually feels fairly good," Verlander said. "All of a sudden, my hamstring was bugging me and I had to cut my bullpen short." He described the recovery process as "agonizingly long" and noted it was the first time he had dealt with consecutive injuries.
Verlander reaffirmed his commitment to finish the season with the Tigers. "There's no giving up," he said. "This is halfway through a season that I committed to the Tigers for."
He also reflected on his future. "I've always said I want to play until the wheels fall off," Verlander added. "I don't know, maybe they are falling off. I hope not."