Tigers plan Comerica Park send-off for Justin Verlander
Detroit hopes Justin Verlander can start against Pittsburgh on 26 September as part of a two-day career celebration, but injuries leave the appearance unconfirmed.
The Detroit Tigers are planning for Justin Verlander to start against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Comerica Park on 26 September as part of a two-day celebration of his career.
The proposed appearance depends on Verlander’s recovery from left hip inflammation and a strained left hamstring. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said the club was cautious about confirming the date while the pitcher works through further assessments.
The Tigers plan to schedule bullpen sessions this week and a simulated game next weekend. Verlander recently completed a live bullpen session and said he was close to returning, with “one more hurdle” remaining.
The celebration is also expected to include a limited-quantity Verlander bobblehead giveaway on 25 September. The plans do not confirm that the game would be Verlander’s final Major League appearance or mark a retirement.
Verlander has made one appearance for Detroit this season, allowing five runs and six hits in 3⅔ innings against Arizona on 30 March. His last appearance at Comerica Park in a Tigers uniform came on 20 August 2017.
