Verlander Struggles in Short Start as Tigers Fall 9-6

Veteran pitcher Justin Verlander was lit up in his return to the mound for Detroit.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:41am

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In his first start of the 2026 season, Detroit Tigers veteran pitcher Justin Verlander had a rough outing against the Arizona Diamondbacks, lasting just 3.1 innings and giving up 7 runs on 8 hits as the Tigers fell 9-6. Verlander, who is entering his 21st MLB season, is looking to bounce back after a down year in 2025.

Why it matters

Verlander is a future Hall of Famer and the longtime ace of the Tigers' pitching staff, so his performance is closely watched by fans and the organization. A poor start raises questions about whether the 43-year-old still has enough left in the tank to be an effective starter for the rebuilding Tigers.

The details

Verlander struggled with his command from the start, walking 3 batters and giving up a pair of home runs in the 3rd inning that broke the game open for the Diamondbacks. He was pulled in the 4th inning after allowing 7 runs, casting doubt on whether he can regain his dominant form from earlier in his career.

  • The game took place on March 31, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

The players

Justin Verlander

A future Hall of Fame pitcher who is entering his 21st MLB season with the Detroit Tigers.

Alex Avila

A former Detroit Tigers catcher who played with Verlander and has commented on his leadership abilities.

Detroit Tigers

The MLB franchise that Verlander has played for his entire career.

Arizona Diamondbacks

The opposing team that defeated the Tigers 9-6 in this game.

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What they’re saying

“Less anxious at the plate,”

— Alex Avila, Former Detroit Tigers Catcher

What’s next

Verlander and the Tigers will look to bounce back in his next scheduled start on April 5th against the Chicago White Sox.

The takeaway

At 43 years old, Verlander's struggles in this game raise questions about whether the veteran pitcher can still be an effective ace for the rebuilding Tigers. His performance will be closely watched as the season progresses.