Tigers' Justin Verlander makes progress toward 1 last start - ESPN

DETROIT — Justin Verlander is making progress toward potentially pitching one more time in the last year of his playing career.

Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said the three-time Cy Young Award winner threw as hard as he has in more than a month off the mound on Saturday.

«That was a good sign,» Hinch said Sunday before Detroit wrapped up a series against Colorado.

The Tigers have planned a two-day celebration of Verlander's career when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates in two weeks during the last series of the regular season — and they hope he can pitch.

«We're aiming for that weekend, which we know will be an emotional and important weekend for him,» Hinch said.

The two-time World Series champion and 2011 American League MVP shared his plans to retire in July, shortly after he was added as a Legend Pick to the AL All-Star roster in his 21st season in the majors.

The right-hander threw Saturday with hitters standing in the batter's box but not swinging to give him feedback on his pitches.

Verlander went on the injured list with hip inflammation early in the season. When he was nearing a return midway through the season, he pulled a hamstring during a bullpen session.

He was scheduled to pitch in June and make what would have been his first start with the Tigers at Comerica Park since Aug. 30, 2017 — the day before he was traded to the Houston Astros.

The Tigers plan to help Verlander prepare to possibly pitch by having him throw in live batting practice or a simulated game.

«He's going to pitch through whatever, but we can't have a setback,» Hinch said.

The 43-year-old Verlander is the oldest player in Major League Baseball. He signed a one-year, $13 million contract to rejoin the Tigers in February and has pitched