Justin Verlander is preparing to take the mound for what is expected to be the final regular-season start of his legendary MLB career.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner is scheduled to make his final regular-season appearance on Saturday, September 26, 2026, as the Detroit Tigers host the Pittsburgh Pirates at Comerica Park in Detroit.
When Is Justin Verlander’s Last MLB Game?
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Matchup: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Detroit Tigers
Location: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
Pitcher: Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers
Verlander completed his final bullpen session ahead of the start, clearing the way for him to take the mound during Detroit’s final weekend of the 2026 MLB regular season.
Justin Verlander Returns to Where It All Started
The setting is particularly fitting because Verlander began his MLB career with the Detroit Tigers.
Detroit selected Verlander with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2004 MLB Draft, and he made his major-league debut in 2005. He developed into one of baseball’s premier pitchers during his first stint with the Tigers, winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award, AL MVP and his first Cy Young Award.
After later pitching for the Houston Astros and New York Mets, Verlander eventually returned to Detroit, bringing his career full circle.
Detroit Celebrating Verlander With “Ver-Fest”
The Tigers are also celebrating Verlander during their final home weekend with “Ver-Fest,” honoring one of the most accomplished pitchers of his generation.
That makes his scheduled September 26 start much more than another late-season game. It gives Tigers fans an opportunity to see Verlander pitch at Comerica Park as his remarkable MLB career approaches its conclusion.
Justin Verlander’s Legendary MLB Career
Verlander’s career has included some of the highest honors available to a major-league pitcher.
His accomplishments include multiple Cy Young Awards, an American League MVP Award, Rookie of the Year honors, World Series championships, multiple no-hitters and numerous All-Star selections.
His longevity has also helped define his career. Verlander has remained a major-league pitcher across more than two decades, spanning several eras of baseball.
Is September 26 Justin Verlander’s Final MLB Appearance?
The September 26 game is expected to be Verlander’s final regular-season appearance.
However, there is an important distinction between his final regular-season game and his final MLB appearance. If Detroit participates in the postseason and Verlander is included on the playoff roster, he could potentially pitch again after the regular season.
For now, Saturday, September 26, 2026, against the Pittsburgh Pirates is scheduled to be Justin Verlander’s final MLB regular-season start, giving baseball fans one more opportunity to watch one of the greatest pitchers of his era take the mound.