Justin Verlander to make final career start for Detroit Tigers

Hall of Fame pitcher Justin Verlander is set to make the final start of his 21-season Major League Baseball career this Saturday. The Detroit Tigers announced that the 43-year-old veteran will take the mound at Comerica Park against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Verlander’s final season was significantly impacted by physical setbacks, including left hip inflammation and a left hamstring strain, which limited him to just one start in March. To ensure he could pitch one last time in front of Detroit fans, the team opted to skip traditional rehabilitation protocols following a successful bullpen session.

The Tigers plan to honor the legendary right-hander with a two-day career celebration. Verlander, a three-time Cy Young Award winner and former AL MVP, originally returned to Detroit on a one-year, $13 million contract to finish his career with the franchise where he began his professional journey.