Just when it appeared Justin Verlander was on the verge of making his long-awaited return to the Detroit Tigers rotation, another setback has emerged.

According to Cody Stavenhagen, the Tigers have scratched Verlander from his scheduled start on Sunday after the veteran right-hander reported a left hamstring injury following a bullpen session on Wednesday in Houston.

The news comes as a major disappointment for both Verlander and the Tigers. The future Hall of Famer had been working his way back from hip inflammation and was expected to make his first big-league appearance since March 30.

Stavenhagen also reported that the Tigers expect Verlander's recovery to be "a matter of weeks," suggesting the injury is not considered season-ending. However, it will delay his return at a time when Detroit's rotation is already dealing with multiple health concerns.

Verlander, 43, signed a one-year deal to return to Detroit prior to the 2026 season. His comeback has been highly anticipated by Tigers fans, but injuries have limited him to just one start this season.

Stavenhagen is also reporting that Keider Montero will start in place of Verlander.