Verlander Makes Final Career Start for Detroit

Justin Verlander made what he described as the final start of his major-league career on September 26, pitching for the Detroit Tigers against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Comerica Park. He threw 5⅓ innings, struck out six and left with Detroit trailing 2-0, as manager A.J. Hinch and Verlander’s daughter, Genevieve, joined him on the mound during his exit to a standing ovation. The 43-year-old right-hander had announced in July that he would retire after the 2026 season. His September 26 outing came two decades after he began his major-league career with Detroit and followed a family-centered farewell at the ballpark the previous evening. Before the Tigers’ September 25 game against Pittsburgh, Genevieve threw a ceremonial first pitch, with her father catching. Verlander said they had practiced together, including on a major-league mound. His wife, Kate Upton, and their son were also present for the farewell gathering, during which Verlander addressed fans and embraced Upton. Verlander’s final start included two solo home runs, one each from Brandon Lowe and Jacob Gonzalez, in the fourth and fifth innings.