Veteran right‑hander Justin Verlander suffered a left hamstring strain during a Wednesday bullpen session, manager A.J. Hinch confirmed. Hinch stressed the setback will keep the 43‑year‑old out weeks, not days, after a brief rehab attempt. Verlander cut the workout short when the muscle “started bugging” him, prompting immediate medical evaluation. He will undergo physical therapy and a gradual throwing program before any game action.

Verlander had missed action since early April with left‑hip inflammation and was slated to return on Sunday. His lone start this season came against Arizona, where he surrendered five runs and six hits in 3⅔ innings, taking the loss. The injury shatters the brief excitement building around his comeback appearance. The veteran’s 2011 AL MVP season still looms large as Detroit searches for stable pitching.

The Tigers also placed outfielder Wenceel Perez on the injured list after a stray exercise band fractured his face in Houston. Losing both a veteran ace and a young outfielder deepens Detroit’s roster challenges as they hover near the bottom of the AL Central. The club now relies on younger arms, lacking Verlander.