Tigers set Verlander's farewell start for September 26 vs. Pirates

The Detroit Tigers announced that Justin Verlander will take the mound Saturday, September 26, against the Pittsburgh Pirates in what is likely his final career start before retiring.

Verlander, 43, has been sidelined by hip and hamstring injuries since March 30. After a bullop session went well Tuesday afternoon, the Tigers scheduled his return for the weekend matchup. According to CBS Sports reporting, Verlander is not expected to pitch a full game and could throw just one inning, similar to Charlie Morton's farewell appearance with the Atlanta Braves last season.

Saturday's start will mark Verlander's 557th career start, the 29th most in MLB history, per Yahoo Sports reporting. Over 21 MLB seasons, Verlander compiled a 266-159 record with a 3.33 ERA and 3,554 strikeouts, placing him eighth on the all-time strikeout list. He is a three-time Cy Young Award winner, an MVP, and a two-time World Series champion.

Verlander announced his retirement in July, when he was named to the All-Star Game as a Legends Pick. In remarks ahead of this weekend, he said: "We're not following the normal script for rehab players. I mean, there's no point. I told these guys: 'What are we saving my arm for?' It doesn't make a lot of sense. I think clearly there's some underlying stuff there with the hamstring, but it just is what it is. I mean, there's a chance that I could seriously hurt myself, but it's part of being a professional athlete at 43."

Both the Tigers and their weekend opponent, the Pirates, have already been eliminated from postseason contention, clearing the way for a farewell moment untethered to playoff pressure. The Tigers have announced plans for farewell events celebrating the pitcher's career.