Tigers fans flocked to Comerica Park this past weekend, eager to witness a special series against the White Sox during a 10-game homestand. The excitement was palpable, not just because of the Father’s Day festivities, but also due to the anticipation of seeing two pivotal starts. Tarik Skubal was set to take the mound for the first time in Detroit since April, while Justin Verlander was poised to pitch as a Tiger for the first time since 2017.
Skubal delivered a solid performance, pitching 5 2/3 innings and allowing three runs as he continues his comeback journey post-surgery. However, the much-anticipated return of Verlander was thwarted by an unexpected setback. A hamstring injury led to his premature scratch from the lineup on Friday, with the team cautioning that his return could take “a matter of weeks.”
For those following Verlander’s season, this was yet another chapter in a story filled with hurdles. The veteran pitcher, who has faced numerous setbacks this year, expressed a sense of resignation regarding his latest injury.
“I’ve always said I want to play until the wheels fall off,” he remarked. “And I don’t know, maybe they are falling off.
I hope not.”
At 43, Verlander stands as the oldest active player in Major League Baseball, and the question of retirement has lingered over him for several years. Despite his determination to pitch until 45, this recent admission hints at the possibility of an impending slowdown.
Tigers fans had held onto hope, spurred by Verlander’s impressive second half with the Giants last season, that he could reignite his career with the team where it all began. Yet, the reality has been sobering.
With just one major league start under his belt this season, the $13 million investment has yielded a challenging 12.27 ERA. It’s a bitter reality for fans who envisioned a triumphant return, only to be left contemplating the possibility that Verlander’s Tigers swan song might end with a solitary start.