Detroit Tigers Star Justin Verlander Made MLB History In Diamondbacks Game

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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 11: Pitcher Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers celebrates after the Tigers defeat the Oakland Athletics 6-0 in Game Five of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum on October 11, 2012 in Oakland, California. Verlander pitched a complete gae shut out as the Tigers advance to the American League Championship Series. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

On Monday evening, the Detroit Tigers are playing the Arizona Diamondbacks for the first of a three-game series.

The Tigers are coming off a series with the San Diego Padres (in California) where they went 2-1.

Detroit Tigers Star Justin Verlander Made MLB History

Justin Verlander signed with the Tigers over the offseason.

He became an MLB legend during the first 12 and a half seasons of his career with the Tigers (2005-17).

ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote (on February 10): “Right-hander Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers are in agreement on a one-year contract. Verlander, 43 next week, returns to the team with which he spent his first 13 seasons and whose hat he’ll wear in the Hall of Fame.”

By starting on Monday night, Verlander made MLB history.

Tigers PR wrote (before the game): “Justin Verlander is set to join Don Sutton as the only pitchers in @MLB history to begin their career with at least 380 starts on their original team, followed by at least 175 starts elsewhere, and then return to appear again with their first club.”

Verlander’s MLB Career

Verlander was the second pick in the 2004 MLB Draft.

He has also spent time playing for the Houston Astros, San Francisco Giants and New York Mets.

Underdog MLB wrote: “Justin Verlander’s first start back with the Tigers: 3.2 IP 5 ER 1 K 6 H 2 BB 15% Whiff rate”

Verlander has gone 266-158 with a 3.32 ERA in 555 games.

He has won one MVP, three CY Young Awards and made nine All-Star Games.

The 43-year-old has also won two World Series Championships with the Astros (2017 and 2020).

Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic wrote: “Justin Verlander threw 28 pitches in his first inning as a Detroit Tiger in 3,135 days. The Diamondbacks scored two runs. Verlander’s fastball averaged 93.2 mph”

Tigers Right Now

Following the Diamondbacks, the Tigers will return home to host the St. Louis Cardinals with the series starting on April 3.

They are coming off a year where they lost to the Seattle Mariners in the 2025 ALDS.