Justin Verlander may be getting some quality family time in the future.
The Detroit Tigers selected Ben Verlander, Justin’s brother, in the 46th round of the MLB Draft today. Ben has committed to play for Old Dominion, Justin’s alma mater, next season.
The Tigers took catcher Patrick Leyland, the son of manager Jim Leyland, in the eighth round of the draft.
According to a story by the Richmond Times-Dispatch last month, Ben Verlander has roughly the same physique his older brother had in high school (6-4, 170), and throws in the mid-80s. Verlander is also a two-way player, and hit .316 in 64 plate appearances (as of May 13) for Goochland HS (Va.), but his coach believes his best chance at playing beyond college is as a pitcher