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Justin Verlander’s Final Start: An Emotional Farewell at Comerica Park
By Drooid · · How we work
The Final Appearance
On September 26 2026, the Detroit Tigers faced the Pittsburgh Pirates in Justin Verlander’s 557th and last major-league start. The 43-year-old right-hander worked 5 1/3 innings, allowing two solo home runs, issuing one walk and striking out six on 91 pitches. After a pop-up by Brandon Lowe began the sixth inning, manager AJ Hinch signaled to the stands, and Verlander’s 7-year-old daughter, Genevieve, sprinted onto the mound. They embraced for about 15 seconds before Verlander walked off hand-in-hand with his family to a standing ovation. The Tigers rallied in the ninth, and rookie Eduardo Valencia delivered a two-run walk-off homer to give Detroit a 4-3 victory, sparing Verlander a loss in his final game.
Background & Context
Verlander debuted for Detroit on July 4 2005 and spent 13 seasons with the Tigers before a 2017 trade to Houston. He returned for the 2026 season on a one-year deal, hoping to finish where he began. A hip injury in early April and a hamstring strain limited him to two starts all year. In July, he announced the season would be his last, citing the injuries and his belief he could no longer meet his own standards.
Data & Statistics
- Career record: 266-159
- Career ERA: 3.33
- Strikeouts: reported as 3,560 (others list 3,554 or 3,566) – eighth all-time
- Wins: 266, most for any pitcher in the wild-card era (since 1994)
- Starts: 557, second-most for a pitcher who exclusively started games
- Final game line: 5 1/3 innings, 2 runs (both solo homers), 5 hits, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts, 91 pitches (57 strikes)
Official Statements & Responses
Verlander told the crowd that the support of Detroit fans had “solidified” his identity as a Tiger and expressed gratitude for the “love and support” that helped him through a “very tough season.” Pirates manager Don Kelly called the scene “surreal” and praised Verlander’s competitiveness despite limited preparation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That completely blindsided me, and it hit me like a ton of bricks,” — Justin Verlander
- “That love and support has solidified to me that I am, and always will be, a Detroit Tiger. Thank you.” — Justin Verlander
On-the-Ground Reports
Fans lined up hours before the game, chanting “JV, JV” as Verlander took the field. The crowd gave him multiple standing ovations—first as he entered the bullpen, then again when he returned to the dugout before the first pitch. Teammates surrounded the mound after the daughter’s hug, and his wife, model Kate Upton, joined Genevieve and their son Bellamy for a family group hug on the warning track. Pirates fans also applauded, recognizing the historic moment.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Verlander’s career strikeout total: some list 3,560, others 3,554, and a few cite 3,566. All agree he finished eighth on the all-time strikeout list, but the exact figure remains inconsistent across reports.
What’s Next
Verlander’s retirement will trigger Hall of Fame eligibility beginning with the 2028 ballot. The Tigers have scheduled a series of commemorative events, including a career-celebration ceremony and a planned display of his No. 35 jersey in the team museum.