Justin Verlander, a legend who was supposed to have his final hurrah this season, is still fighting for one last game at Comerica Park. The Detroit Tigers announced Sunday they are planning for Verlander to start their September 26 home game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but it all hangs on his recovery from left hip inflammation and a strained left hamstring that has kept him off the mound for almost the entire year.
The Plan and the Pains
This is not just any game; it is set to be part of a two-day celebration of Verlander’s Hall of Fame career, complete with a bobblehead giveaway. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch is realistic, telling reporters the date is “in pencil.” He said, “We’re aiming for that last weekend, which we know is going to be an emotional, important weekend for him. But also, if we can get him in that series, roughly on that Saturday, that would be at that seven-day cadence.” Hinch added a note of caution, “He’s got a lot of mound sessions between then. He’s got some questions to answer. I’m cautious to throw it out there too firm because a lot of things can happen between now and then.” The Tigers’ plan is to work toward that September 26 date by scheduling bullpen sessions this week, followed by a simulated game next weekend. If Verlander responds well to *that*, he is on track to pitch on the subsequent Sunday. He even threw a live bullpen session on Saturday, showing he is putting in the work.
An Unforgettable Farewell, Or a Forgettable One?
Verlander himself sounds hopeful, telling the Detroit News, “A month or so ago when it started to feel better, that’s when I got a glimmer of hope in my head that there was a chance I could get back out there.” He added, “I’m pretty close to that being a reality. Just one more hurdle.” It is a massive hurdle, though. Injuries have absolutely wrecked his final season, limiting him to just one appearance all year. That lone start was a rough one back on March 30, a 9-6 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks where he gave up 5 runs and 6 hits over 3 2/3 innings, managing only one strikeout. No way that is how he wants to end his celebrated MLB career. Especially since that game was on the road. He has not even pitched in Detroit this season as part of what was supposed to be a grand farewell tour for him.
A Legendary Career’s Last Chapter
The last time Verlander pitched in a Tigers uniform at Comerica Park was way back on August 20, 2017. He was a beast that day, holding the Los Angeles Dodgers to just one run with nine strikeouts over eight innings. He was traded to the Houston Astros barely two weeks later. He was supposed to pitch in Detroit on June 21, Father’s Day, but that pesky left hamstring strain shut him down. A little over two weeks after that, the three-time American League Cy Young Award winner and 2011 AL MVP made it official: he would retire at the end of the 2026 season. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred even named him to the AL All-Star team as a “Legend Pick.” His Tigers resume speaks volumes: 14 seasons, a 3.51 ERA, and a 183-115 record, plus the 2006 AL Rookie of the Year, an AL Cy Young, and an AL MVP. He added two more Cy Youngs and two World Series championships over seven seasons with the Astros.
So, all eyes will be on his recovery sessions this week and next. Will Verlander clear that “one more hurdle” and give Detroit fans the send-off he deserves on September 26? It is more than just a game; it is a chance for a Hall of Famer to write a proper ending to an incredible career, right where it all began.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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