Justin Verlander making progress for one last Tigers appearance

The 2026 season was supposed to be the perfect send-off for future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander.

Verlander signed a one-year contract worth just over $7.5 million to end his career with the Detroit Tigers, the team he spent his first 12.5 major league seasons with. Although he was no longer the top-of-the-rotation starter he had been earlier in his career, he was expected to be a solid option as the Tigers' fourth or fifth starter.

Injuries ruined what should have been a storybook ending. Verlander made one start with the Tigers, allowing five runs on six hits and two walks over his 3.2 innings. He landed on the Injured List after that outing with hip inflammation, then pulled a hamstring during a bullpen session as he worked his way back. Meanwhile, the Tigers season fell apart, making them sellers at the trade deadline as their postseason aspirations were for naught.

Justin Verlander may have one last chapter with Detroit Tigers

However, Verlander may be back for one last appearance. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch told reporters that Verlander had thrown as hard as he did in over a month during a recent bullpen session as the Tigers are looking to have him make an appearance on the mound as part of a planned two-day celebration of Verlander's career at the end of the season.

There is no guarantee that Verlander will be able to make that appearance. Any setbacks during his rehab will keep Verlander from making that appearance. For now, the Tigers plan to have Verlander throw live batting practice and potentially pitch in a simulated game. If he comes out of those outings without issue, he could make one last start with the Tigers at Comerica Park.