Overview
- The Detroit Tigers announced Tuesday that Justin Verlander will start Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates in what the team and player intend to be his final major league appearance.
- Manager A.J. Hinch said Verlander completed a scheduled bullpen session and is officially cleared to take the mound, ending weeks of caution over his health status.
- Verlander’s 2026 season was limited by left hip inflammation and a left hamstring strain, and he acknowledged he skipped normal rehab steps to reach a farewell outing.
- How long Verlander will pitch is undecided because medical and managerial caution could limit his workload even though he said he wants to be competitive and has mentioned a 100-pitch goal.
- The start is the centerpiece of a two-day Comerica Park celebration that includes giveaways and charity work and it closes the playing chapter of a career that includes multiple Cy Youngs, an MVP, two World Series rings, and more than 3,500 strikeouts.