Ex-Tiger McCann Expects Quick Rebound for Verlander

Former teammate confident star pitcher will bounce back

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:35pm

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Former Detroit Tigers catcher James McCann, now with the Arizona Diamondbacks, expressed confidence that his former teammate Justin Verlander will rebound quickly after a rough start to the season. McCann said Verlander still looks like his old self in the Tigers' uniform.

Why it matters

Verlander is a future Hall of Famer and one of the most dominant pitchers of his era. His struggles this season have been surprising, and McCann's positive outlook provides optimism that the veteran can turn things around.

The details

McCann, who played with Verlander on the Tigers from 2014 to 2018, said the 43-year-old pitcher still looks like his old self despite his early-season struggles. Verlander, who is in his 19th MLB season, has a 6.75 ERA through his first four starts this year.

  • McCann made the comments on Monday, April 1, 2026.

The players

James McCann

A former catcher for the Detroit Tigers who is now with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Justin Verlander

A future Hall of Fame pitcher who is currently playing for the Detroit Tigers in his 19th MLB season.

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What they’re saying

“He looks like Verlander in that Tigers' uniform.”

— James McCann, Diamondbacks player

The takeaway

Despite Verlander's early-season struggles, his former teammate McCann remains confident that the veteran pitcher will be able to turn things around and return to his dominant form.