Detroit Tigers fans were eagerly anticipating Justin Verlander's return, but his first outing back was a bit of a rough ride. The veteran pitcher, now 43, faced a challenging start against the Arizona Diamondbacks, allowing five earned runs over just 3 2/3 innings in a 9-6 loss. It was clear from the get-go that Verlander was in for a battle, as Arizona's hitters came out swinging hard and fast.
Verlander didn't mince words about his performance. “It sucks, not the way I obviously wanted it to go,” he admitted.
For someone who spent all spring honing his craft, this wasn't the debut he envisioned. The Diamondbacks were relentless, with All-Star outfielder Corbin Carroll leading the charge.
Carroll's triple, home run, and four RBIs by the second inning helped Arizona jump to a commanding 5-0 lead. The numbers tell the story: six balls hit over 100 mph in just the first two innings, and Verlander didn't notch a strikeout until facing his 15th batter.
This outing was Verlander's first in a Tigers uniform in over eight years, marking a significant milestone as he joined the ranks of pitchers like Don Sutton who have made at least 380 starts with one team, left, and then returned. Yet, instead of a triumphant homecoming, Verlander found himself under constant pressure.
Reflecting on the game, Verlander was candid about the need for improvement. “I got some outs, but I wouldn’t consider it progress,” he noted. He acknowledged that his current approach wouldn't cut it against major league hitters, emphasizing the need for sharper execution moving forward.
Despite the early deficit, the Tigers showed some fight, rallying for six runs in the seventh inning to narrow the gap. However, the comeback fell short, and Verlander is now focused on making the necessary adjustments as he continues his 21st major league season.
Looking ahead, the Diamondbacks will send Brandon Pfaadt to the mound, while the Tigers are set to start Casey Mize, with both pitchers making their season debuts. Verlander, meanwhile, is determined to bounce back and deliver the kind of performances that have defined his illustrious career.