Tigers announce date for Justin Verlander's final career start

Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Tigers announce date for Justin Verlander's final career start

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Sep 22, 2026 5:55 PM ET

The Detroit Tigers have announced that three-time AL Cy Young winner Justin Verlander will make his final career start on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates before he officially retires from MLB.

The veteran has only made one start for the Tigers this season, which was on March 30 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He pitched 3.2 innings and was charged with five earned runs, and since then, he has been sidelined with left hip and hamstring injuries.

Following a successful bullpen session on Tuesday, he has been cleared of his injuries, and he's ready to make his farewell start this weekend.

According to manager A.J. Hinch, he is "all set" for his long-awaited return at Comerica Park. It will mark an end to a legendary career as a two-time World Series champion, a 10-time All-Star, Triple Crown winner, ALCS MVP (2017), Rookie of the Year (2006), MVP (2011) and more. He also has three career no-hitters and is also only one of two pitchers in MLB history to win the ROY, a Cy Young and MVP awards.

Justin Verlander is “all set” to start Saturday’s Tigers game, AJ Hinch told reporters on Tuesday.

Verlander threw a bullpen, which was one of his final hurdles before confirming his start. pic.twitter.com/Whc1UkCtWm
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) September 22, 2026

Justin Verlander's remarkable career will leave a lasting mark on the game

His 21 seasons in MLB have included a career 3.33 ERA, 266 wins and 3,554 strikeouts, which rank eighth all-time in MLB history.

Pitching for the final time in a Tigers uniform will certainly have emotions riding high for Verlander, his teammates and fans.

Despite Verlander only making his second start this season, his willingness to come out and perform one last time shows his love for the game after spending two decades in MLB.

The impact that Verlander has left on the game can't be overstated.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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