The Detroit Tigers honored Justin Verlander at a pregame retirement ceremony Friday; his 7-year-old daughter threw the first pitch as he addressed fans. Verlander was set to make his 557th and final start Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Verlander made only one start this season, allowing five earned runs against Arizona in March, and spent most of the season on the injured list with hip and hamstring injuries. He said the fans’ support had solidified that he “is, and always will be, a Detroit Tiger.”
In Detroit, Verlander won American League Rookie of the Year and MVP, made six All-Star teams, and ranks second in Tigers history in pitching WAR (56.4) and strikeouts (2,374). Fans gave No. 35 a standing ovation.
