Tigers' Verlander takes next step in rehab, could be close to simulated game
Justin Verlander is getting closer to pitching in his first game of the 2015 season.
The 2011 Cy Young Award winner threw an intense 45-pitch bullpen session Monday, throwing his entire repertoire of pitches without any problems.
"Felt good," Verlander told a group of reporters before Monday's game at Comerica Park. "Went through my long toss, then threw 45 off the mound. All really good effort. By far the most intense bullpen I've thrown yet. It was all good."
Verlander, who is rehabbing a strain in his right triceps, was able to throw 20 more pitches than last week's bullpen session. He said he will likely throw another bullpen session and pitch a simulated game before starting a minor-league rehab assignment.
"I think we're getting pretty close to getting off the mound against hitters," Verlander said via Detroit Free Press. "In a perfect world, I probably need to throw a sim game and then some sort of real game until I get back out there."
So what's the timetable for his return to the Tigers' rotation?
Verlander still isn't ready to say.
"I haven't really done the math yet on the time but probably a sim game, then try to get into my normal routine, which is five days, then rehab start and if all goes well start in a real game."
(h/t Detroit Free Press)
