Justin Verlander made the final start at Comerica Park of his Major League Baseball career Saturday, leaving Comerica Park to a standing ovation as the Detroit Tigers held off the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3.
The 43-year-old right-hander worked into the sixth inning in his 557th and final regular-season start.
Detroit announced before the game that Verlander’s appearance would be his final start in a Tigers uniform before his retirement.
The Saturday game was part of Verlander’s final regular-season appearance.
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Justin Verlander: Verlander completes final start in Detroit
Verlander allowed two runs over 5 1/3 innings before manager A.J.
Hinch came to the mound.
The outing gave him the competitive farewell he had wanted after spending much of the season recovering from left hip inflammation and a hamstring strain.
He had not pitched at Comerica Park as a Tiger since August 20, 2017, shortly before Detroit traded him to the Houston Astros.
His return to the mound in Detroit was part of a two-day career celebration organized by the Tigers.
Verlander entered the game with a 0-1 record and a 12.27 earned-run average after making only one earlier appearance for Detroit in 2026.
The Tigers had planned carefully around the final-start target because he had not completed a conventional rehabilitation assignment.
Tigers hold off Pittsburgh
Detroit’s offence supplied enough support for the veteran starter, and the bullpen protected the narrow lead after Verlander’s departure.
The Pirates threatened late, but the Tigers preserved the one-run advantage to complete a 4-3 victory.
The result gave Verlander a win in his final appearance as a Tiger, although he did not receive the individual decision.
Saturday’s game followed an 8-7 Detroit victory on Friday night, when the Tigers held a ceremony honouring Verlander and his career.
The weekend series marked the final home games of Detroit’s regular season.
A full-circle ending for a Tigers icon
Verlander’s final opponent carried an unusual connection to the beginning of his professional career.
Pirates manager Don Kelly was in the Detroit organization when Verlander made his Double-A debut in 2005, before Verlander became the Tigers’ ace and one of baseball’s most accomplished pitchers.
Kelly described Verlander as an elite competitor and a future first-ballot Hall of Famer ahead of Saturday’s game.
Pittsburgh’s pitching coach Bill Murphy also worked with Verlander during his later years with Houston.
The farewell also marked the end of a 21-year career that included three Cy Young Awards, an American League Most Valuable Player Award, a Rookie of the Year honour and a World Series championship with Houston.
Verlander made nine World Series appearances and accumulated 226 postseason innings.
He also returned to Detroit for one final season after signing a one-year contract with the Tigers in February 2026.
What comes next for Verlander
Verlander’s retirement removes one of the defining pitchers of his generation from the active MLB roster.
His career began with Detroit in 2005, and he spent 12 seasons with the Tigers before returning for the final chapter.
The Tigers now turn toward a younger pitching group, including Jackson Jobe, who finished his 2026 season with a strong performance in Friday’s win over Pittsburgh.
Verlander had spoken with Jobe and other young pitchers during his final season, taking on a mentorship role while preparing for his own return.
For Detroit fans, the final image was less about the 4-3 score than the opportunity to see Verlander take the mound one more time at Comerica Park.
He finished his Tigers career where it began, in front of the supporters who watched him develop from a highly touted prospect into a franchise-defining star.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between the Tigers and Pirates?
The Detroit Tigers defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 on September 26, 2026.
Was this Justin Verlander’s final MLB start?
Yes. The game was Verlander’s 557th and final regular-season MLB start before his retirement.
How long did Justin Verlander pitch?
Verlander pitched 5 1/3 innings and allowed two runs in his final start.
Where did Justin Verlander make his final start?
He made his final start at Comerica Park in Detroit, the home of the Tigers.
What was the connection between Verlander and Don Kelly?
Kelly was part of the Tigers organization when Verlander made his Double-A debut in 2005 and later became the Pirates’ manager.
Fact-Checked: Key game details, Verlander’s final-start status and career context were checked against MLB schedule, team and first-party league information.
Disclaimer: Game statistics and player records reflect information available after the September 26, 2026 final.