Verlander Plans Final Tigers Start Saturday
Verlander Plans Final Tigers Start Saturday
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Key Points
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The Tigers entered the final stretch at 72-81, six games behind both the division leader and the American League Wild Card with only nine games remaining; the club was one loss from elimination in the Sept. 20 report.
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Detroit’s two-day celebration will include a Verlander bobblehead giveaway on Friday, Sept. 25, and a long-sleeved hooded jersey giveaway on Saturday, Sept. 26.
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Verlander spent 14 of his 21 major-league seasons with the Tigers and has recorded 556 career appearances, a 266-159 record, a 3.33 ERA and 3,571â…“ innings; a Saturday outing would give him 557 games.
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River Ryan, acquired by Detroit from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Aug. 1 Tarik Skubal trade, is scheduled to make his Tigers debut Monday against the Washington Nationals, with Keider Montero also expected to pitch.
Justin Verlander is scheduled to make the final start of his 21-year Major League career on Saturday, September 26, against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Comerica Park, MLB. The 43-year-old Tigers right-hander has battled hip and hamstring injuries throughout his farewell season but recently completed a simulated game and continues clearing medical tests. Manager A.J. Hinch cautioned that the start remains tentative pending additional conditioning evaluations.
Detroit plans a two-day celebration of Verlander's historic career, including a bobblehead giveaway Friday and a long-sleeved hooded jersey giveaway Saturday. The future Hall of Famer brought 14 of his 21 seasons to the Tigers, winning three Cy Young Awards, an MVP, and two World Series titles during his time in Detroit, Athlon Sports.
A Farewell Plagued by Late-Season Injuries
Verlander's 2025 season has been derailed by physical setbacks since March. Hip inflammation and a hamstring strain kept him sidelined for much of the year, forcing the Tigers to manage his workload carefully down the stretch. He recently completed a one-inning simulated game and is scheduled for a more demanding bullpen session this week to prove he can handle the demands of a full game, MLB.
Tigers Face Playoff Elimination Before Verlander's Finale
Detroit enters the final stretch of the season at 72-81, sitting six games behind both the division leader and the American League Wild Card slot with only nine games remaining. The Tigers are on the verge of playoff elimination and will be focusing on providing Verlander with a proper send-off rather than competing for postseason baseball. A Saturday start against Pittsburgh would mark Verlander's 557th career appearance.
A Hall of Fame Resume Built in Detroit
Verlander's 21-year career includes 556 appearances, a 266-159 record, a 3.33 ERA, and 3,571â…“ innings pitched. The 10-time All-Star won the Triple Crown in 2011 and claimed two World Series championships during his tenure with Detroit. Athlon Sports notes that he announced in July he would retire after the 2026 season, making Saturday's outing his final game before what will be his farewell year.
Tigers Shift Focus to Youth After Verlander
Detroit is preparing for the post-Verlander era with fresh talent. River Ryan, acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in an August 1 trade, is scheduled to make his Tigers debut Monday against the Washington Nationals. Keider Montero is also expected to pitch in upcoming games as Detroit builds toward 2026, MLB.
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