Overview
- Detroit manager A.J. Hinch said Tuesday that Justin Verlander completed a final bullpen session and passed physical tests, clearing him to start this weekend.
- The start is scheduled for Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates and is expected to be brief and ceremonial rather than a full competitive outing.
- Verlander missed most of 2026 with left-hip inflammation and a left-hamstring strain after making one appearance on March 30, and he announced his retirement in July.
- The Tigers used controlled mound work, a one-inning simulated game and bullpen tests instead of a traditional minor-league rehab to judge his readiness.
- Verlander finishes with a Hall of Fame résumé — multiple Cy Youngs, an MVP, two World Series titles, three no-hitters and more than 3,500 strikeouts — and Saturday’s appearance gives Detroit fans a final chance to see him pitch.