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Kirby Yates Retires After Historic First Start, Coinciding with Justin Verlander’s Final Game
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The Dual Milestone Night
On September 26, 2026 at Comerica Park, the Pittsburgh Pirates gave reliever Kirby Yates his first career start—a 1 2/3 -inning, scoreless outing that also marked his immediate retirement. The same game served as the farewell start for future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander, who threw 5 1/3 innings, 91 pitches for the Detroit Tigers before being removed in the fifth. Both players exited to standing ovations, highlighting a rare convergence of career bookends.
Background & Context
Yates entered the majors in 2005 and spent 12 seasons exclusively in relief, logging 517 appearances before this start. After being acquired from the Angels at the August trade deadline, he posted a 2-0 record with a 1.80 ERA in the final two months. Manager Don Kelly called the start “a great idea” to give Yates a memorable finale.
Verlander, a three-time Cy Young winner and two-time World Series champion, announced his retirement plans in July 2026 after a season limited by injury. The Tigers honored him with a pre-game ceremony on September 25, 2026, during which his seven-year-old daughter Genevieve threw the first pitch.
Data & Statistics
- Kirby Yates: 32-29 record, 3.35 ERA, 101 saves, 1.14 WHIP, 518 career appearances, two All-Star selections.
- Justin Verlander: 266 wins, 3,555 strikeouts (eighth all-time), 3.33 ERA, 5 1/3 innings, 91 pitches, two solo home runs allowed in his final start.
Official Statements & Responses
Verlander said, “I am, and always will be, a Detroit Tiger,” and noted there was “no script” for his final outing, adding he wanted to pitch “as long as I can.”
On-the-Ground Reports
The Detroit crowd of 41,377 gave both pitchers ovations. After Yates’ second-inning strikeout, teammates—including catcher Henry Davis and second baseman Brandon Lowe—hugged him on the mound, and umpire Laz Diaz shook his hand as he left. Verlander’s daughter and wife Kate Upton stood beside him during the ceremony; after the fifth inning, manager A.J. Hinch removed him, prompting another standing ovation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Yeah, I don’t have anything left. Let’s put it that way,” — Kirby Yates
- “It was a great moment for him and his family and the team for him to come out like that.” — Don Kelly
- “That love and support has solidified to me that I am, and always will be, a Detroit Tiger. Thank you.” — Justin Verlander
- “There's no script. I want to go as long as I can,” — Justin Verlander
- “Truthfully, I never wanted to get traded, but the trade was like a blessing in disguise just because when I got here, it gave me a little more life in baseball,” — Kirby Yates
- “And I think I’ve given this game everything I have, and in return, it’s given me more than I can ever thank it for or imagine.” — Kirby Yates