The Detroit Tigers have been without their ace pitcher Justin Verlander for the first part of the season. The Tigers have stayed in contention so far with the upstart Kansas City Royals but will need to have a healthy Verlander to remain in the hunt for a fifth straight divisional title. The injured Verlander will throw a simulated game soon, testing his injury and the rehab he has done since. Detroit fans can't seem wait for him to be back on the mound instead of in the arms of girlfriend Kate Upton.
After throwing bullpen sessions, the move to simulated games is the next step in recovery for the former MVP. Verlander has once already cut short a simulated game because of soreness. The Tigers manager Brad Ausmus is being cautious about his ace's return and how the club wants to handle it according to ESPN:
"Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said Verlander could begin a minor-league rehabilitation assignment if he has no setbacks during the simulated game."
The minor-league assignment would be the last step before allowing Verlander to pitch for Detroit once more.
Verlander is known for being tough and as much as he wants to get back to the mound there are Tiger fans who doubt he is in a hurry to get back because of his girlfriend Upton. After Verlander posted numerous pictures of himself and Upton enjoying life on his Instagram account, a backlash from jealous Tigers fans ensued. The New York Post has Verlander's Instagram response to such craziness:
"Dear haters...I have heard you. Therefore since I have done all of the rehab I can possibly do already I shall not move from my bed nor enjoy my life whatsoever for the rest of the day so you think I'm trying,"
Do you feel that Kate Upton has been a distraction for Verlander? Will the return of Verlander send the Tigers into the playoffs? Tell us your thoughts below.
