Early Homers off Verlander Lead Yankees Past Tigers

Detroit veteran gives up three solo shots in 4-3 loss to New York

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:22pm

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Detroit Tigers veteran right-hander Justin Verlander gave up back-to-back home runs to Jasson Dominguez and J.C. Escarra in the first inning, and the New York Yankees held on for a 4-3 victory over the Tigers in Grapefruit League play in Lakeland, Florida.

Why it matters

Verlander, a future Hall of Famer, is looking to bounce back after a difficult 2025 season split between the Mets and Giants. The early home runs are a concern, but it's still early in spring training and he has time to work on his stuff before the regular season begins.

The details

In his second start of the spring, the 43-year-old Verlander allowed three solo home runs in 3 1/3 innings (61 pitches). He had five strikeouts but has allowed five runs with nine strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings this spring. Yankees right-hander Will Warren continued his strong spring, allowing two runs on two hits over six innings with no walks. Detroit tied the game in the bottom of the eighth on a Jude Warwick sacrifice fly, but a bases-loaded walk to Yankees minor leaguer Joshua Moylan pushed across the game-winning run in the top of the ninth.

  • Verlander gave up back-to-back home runs to Jasson Dominguez and J.C. Escarra in the first inning.
  • Seth Brown also homered off Verlander with one out in the second inning.

The players

Justin Verlander

A 43-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who is looking to bounce back after a difficult 2025 season.

Jasson Dominguez

A New York Yankees outfielder who hit a solo home run off Verlander in the first inning.

J.C. Escarra

A New York Yankees player who hit a solo home run off Verlander in the first inning.

Will Warren

A New York Yankees right-handed pitcher who allowed two runs on two hits over six innings with no walks.

Jude Warwick

A Detroit Tigers player who hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game in the bottom of the eighth inning.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

Verlander's early struggles with the long ball are a concern, but it's still early in spring training and he has time to work on his stuff before the regular season begins. The Yankees' young hitters were able to jump on the veteran right-hander, which could be a sign of things to come if Verlander doesn't make the necessary adjustments.