43-year-old Cy Young winner Verlander's injury worsens, retirement considered

Three-time Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander was scheduled to return from the injured list for Monday's road game against the Chicago White Sox, but that plan has now been abruptly halted. According to Detroit Free Press reporter Evan Petzold, Verlander was scratched from his start due to a left hamstring strain. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch further revealed that this injury could sideline him for "weeks." Verlander himself admitted that he is beginning to consider the possibility of retirement.

Since starting for the Tigers against the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 31, Verlander has been on the injured list with left hip inflammation. After multiple simulated games, two Triple-A rehab starts, and bullpen sessions, he was close to returning to the major league mound, only to suffer another injury right before his comeback.

"This isn't a matter of days; it's weeks. He needs a full rehab process before he can start throwing again. It's certainly frustrating news for him and the team, given how much everyone was looking forward to his return," Hinch said.

Reflecting on his situation, Verlander expressed disappointment. "My hip was actually feeling pretty good, but suddenly my hamstring started bothering me, forcing me to stop my bullpen session."

"If I can't complete the workout I was supposed to do, then something is definitely wrong. So we decided to run further tests, and it turned out to be a hamstring strain," Verlander stated.

Verlander continued, "It's really discouraging, and it all stinks. I made a commitment to finish this season for the Tigers, but no one expected things to turn out this way. Still, before the season ends, I'm going to give everything I've got."

Adding to the intrigue, Verlander also acknowledged for the first time that he has started thinking about retirement. "This is the first time in my career that I've faced a string of consecutive injuries."

Verlander further explained, "We initially thought it was just a short-term issue, but over two months have passed. Just when I was almost back on the field, a new problem came up. Naturally, it's very disappointing, but as a 43-year-old professional athlete, you just have to accept reality and keep moving forward."

"After the season ends, I really don't know how things will go. The situation now is different from last year, when I felt completely healthy. Now there are many factors that have to be considered."

"My family is here with me in Detroit now. My son just turned one, and my daughter is seven. There are a lot of things in life that are pulling my attention away from baseball," Verlander mentioned.

Moreover, Verlander admitted that he has always held the mindset of "pitching until I can't pitch anymore."

"I've always said I want to pitch until the wheels fall off. But I don't know—maybe the wheels are starting to come off now. I hope that's not the case."

Verlander has made only one start this season since returning to the Tigers. On March 31 against the Diamondbacks, he pitched 3.2 innings, allowing six hits and five runs while taking the loss, and then was sidelined due to injury.

Now 43 years old, Verlander is one of the greatest pitchers in modern MLB history, with over 260 career wins, three Cy Young Awards, two World Series titles, and one American League MVP award, virtually guaranteeing his future Hall of Fame induction.