Detroit – The Tigers are set to give longtime fan favorite Justin Verlander one more chance to pitch for the Motor City. Manager A.J. Hinch announced Tuesday that Verlander will start Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, provided he stays healthy.
Verlander’s final start
Verlander, 43, confirmed the news to reporters, saying he doesn’t need a perfect outing to feel satisfied. “If I’m able to continue to be healthy and I feel good, I’d like to toe the rubber one more time in a competitive way and try to win the Detroit Tigers a ballgame,” he said.
The right‑hander has appeared only once this season, a March 30 start versus the Arizona Diamondbacks in which he lasted 3 2/3 innings, gave up five runs and took the loss. Injuries to his hip and hamstring have kept him sidelined for the bulk of the campaign.
Celebrating a legend
Earlier this month the organization announced a two‑day celebration weekend for Verlander, with events scheduled for Friday and Saturday. The Tigers hope the festivities will give fans a chance to honor a pitcher who has amassed a 266‑159 record, a 3.33 ERA and 3,554 strikeouts over 556 career games.
Verlander leads all active pitchers in wins and ranks eighth all‑time in strikeouts. He was named a “legend pick” to the American League All‑Star team before the mid‑season break, and he announced that 2026 would be his final season.
What to expect Saturday
Hinch emphasized that Verlander will give his best effort to deliver a game as close to normal as possible. “He’s going to have to make pitches, and we’re going to have to play defense and things like that,” the manager said.
Verlander added that his immediate focus is staying healthy through the weekend. “All right, just don’t do anything stupid between now and Saturday, and we should be good,” he said, noting the mix of emotion and anxiety that comes with a final start.
Saturday will also mark Verlander’s first start at Comerica Park in a Tigers uniform since August 20, 2017, when he was traded to Houston 11 days later. The game offers a chance for longtime supporters to see the Hall of Fame pitcher back where his career began.
Team outlook
While the Tigers are unlikely to make the postseason this year, the organization hopes the game will provide a memorable moment for the community and a fitting tribute to one of baseball’s modern greats. Fans are encouraged to attend the celebration events and the Saturday game to show their appreciation for Verlander’s contributions to Detroit baseball.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
