Detroit Tigers fans, there's finally some good news on the Justin Verlander front. The 43-year-old right-hander took a major step forward in his recovery from left hip inflammation, completing a two-inning simulated game on Saturday before the Tigers' matchup against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.

It was Verlander's first time facing live hitters since being placed on the 15-day injured list on April 4, retroactive to April 1. His only start of the 2026 season came way back on March 30, so this was a welcome sight for a Tigers team that could really use his veteran presence on the mound.

"I wasn't as sharp as I would like to be," Verlander admitted. "Physically, it was another step in the right direction. Check the box and keep moving forward."

All eight batters he faced managed to put the ball in play during the two-inning session. Verlander threw 17 pitches in the first inning and 21 in the second, generating just four swings and misses. Infielder Hao-Yu Lee and outfielder Wenceel Pérez were the ones squaring off against him, and they didn't make it easy. Pérez ripped a fly ball to right field that could have been a double, while Lee crushed a line drive to left-center and drove a ground ball up the middle that would have been a single.

While this is a promising development, Verlander isn't quite ready for a rehab assignment just yet. The 21-year MLB veteran is expected to need at least one start with Triple-A Toledo before rejoining the Tigers. For now, it's all about building up arm strength and sharpening that command.

Verlander signed a one-year, $13 million contract in early February, marking his return to Detroit for the first time since being traded in September 2017. Every step forward in his rehab is a step closer to seeing that familiar No. 35 back on the mound at Comerica Park.