Tigers Ace Verlander Misses Camp for Family Commitment

Veteran pitcher will join team for spring training after a prearranged family event.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Detroit Tigers star pitcher Justin Verlander will not be participating in the team's camp this weekend due to a "prearranged family commitment", according to reports. The 42-year-old Verlander, who recently re-signed with the Tigers after a storied career, is expected to join the team for spring training as he looks to have a productive 2026 season.

Why it matters

Verlander's return to the Tigers has generated a lot of excitement, as the veteran pitcher looks to help the team reach new heights. His absence from the initial camp is not seen as a long-term issue, but it does raise some questions about how he will integrate with the team, especially the younger pitchers like Tarik Skubal who are eager to learn from the future Hall of Famer.

The details

According to reports, Verlander is missing this weekend's camp due to a previously scheduled family event. The Tigers' ace had expressed his desire to return to Detroit after last season, saying he "just kept coming to my mind" as the best place for him to finish his career. Verlander's presence will be a boost for the Tigers, who are looking to build on a promising 2025 campaign.

  • Verlander will miss the Tigers' camp this weekend (February 14-16, 2026).
  • Verlander is expected to join the team for spring training after his family commitment.

The players

Justin Verlander

A 42-year-old veteran pitcher who recently re-signed with the Detroit Tigers, the team that drafted him in 2004.

Tarik Skubal

The Tigers' young ace pitcher who is excited to be teammates with the future Hall of Famer Verlander.

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What they’re saying

“If you would've told me 10 years ago that I'm gonna be lockermates with Justin Verlander, and we're gonna be in the same rotation, I would've called you f****** crazy.”

— Tarik Skubal, Tigers Pitcher (FOX 2 Sports)

“It was definitely in the back of my mind. I grew up in front of the fans in Detroit, I grew up in Detroit, I was a 21-year-old when I got here in Lakeland for the first time. Just so much history here.”

— Justin Verlander (Evan Petzold)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.