Justin Verlander’s final Major League appearance became an emotional farewell when he realized that his daughter was the one coming onto the field to take him off the mound.
The 43-year-old right-hander overcame six months away from the majors and lingering stiffness from a hamstring strain to deliver one final vintage performance. Verlander pitched 5.1 innings and struck out six against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
With tears in his eyes, Verlander left the mound alongside his wife and two daughters, closing the chapter on an extraordinary 21-year career.
Three innings later, the Detroit Tigers defeated the Pirates 4-3 at Comerica Park on a two-run, two-out, two-strike walk-off home run by Venezuelan Eduardo Valencia in the ninth inning.
Verlander entered the game with limited preparation after six months away from the majors. His only previous work consisted of several bullpen sessions and one live batting-practice inning against teammates the previous weekend in Chicago.
Relying heavily on his experience and pitching instincts, Verlander made his 557th career start and faced the Pirates one final time before walking off the mound with his family by his side.
