Detroit Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander will come off the injured list to make the final start of his career at home Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Saturday starter 🫡 pic.twitter.com/ZZW3f4CHAz
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) September 22, 2026
"We're not following the normal script for rehab players," Verlander said Sept. 13 when asked about potentially making one last start, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com. "I mean, there's no point. I told these guys: 'What are we saving my arm for?' It doesn't make a lot of sense."
Verlander announced in July that he'll retire following the 2026 campaign.
The 43-year-old has only made one start for the Tigers this year because of multiple injuries. He returned to Detroit last offseason on a one-year, $13-million deal after spending the first 13 years of his career with the franchise.
The future Hall of Famer is a three-time AL Cy Young winner, two-time World Series champion, and 10-time All-Star, as well as the 2011 AL MVP and 2006 Rookie of the Year. He also sits eighth in MLB history with 3,554 strikeouts.
Verlander's suited up for the Tigers, Houston Astros, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants over 21 seasons.
