Verlander Throws Simulated Game Toward Final Tigers Start

Justin Verlander is making progress toward a possible final appearance for the Detroit Tigers after throwing off a mound with batters standing in the box but not swinging. The 43-year-old right-hander has been sidelined by hip inflammation and a hamstring strain and has made only one major league start this season. Detroit hopes he can pitch during a two-day career celebration against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the final series of the regular season, though the team wants to avoid another setback. Verlander, who has announced that this will be his final season, returned to Detroit on a one-year, $13 million contract after a decorated career that includes three Cy Young Awards, an MVP and two World Series titles.