Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Detroit Tigers: Justin Verlander’s last start

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Detroit Tigers , September 26, 2026, 1:10 p.m. ET

The Pittsburgh Pirates are the answer to a unique baseball trivia question following today's game against the Detroit Tigers.

The Pirates will be the final team legendary pitcher Justin Verlander faces in his epic 21-year career that will almost certainly end with enshrinement into the Pro Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown once he is eligible.

Verlander began his career as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2004 MLB draft by the Detroit Tigers. He went on to make his MLB debut the following year, which led to an impressive 13-year run with the franchise. During that time, the Tigers qualified for the playoffs five times and the World Series twice, in 2006 and 2012.

With the Tigers exiting their contending window, Verlander was traded to the Houston Astros , who were poised to go on a dynastic run that saw them win the World Series in 2017 and 2022. After making appearances in the Fall Classic in 2019 and 2021, once he turned 40 years old, Verlander was on a quest to win 300 games, but he ultimately fell short of that goal.

Throughout his career, Verlander has a WAR of 82.3, with 266 wins to his name. But it's up to the Pirates to ensure he doesn't get No. 267.

Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet Pittsburgh

BD community, this is your gameday thread for today's game against the Detroit Tigers. Chime off in the comments section below.