Brutal start leaves Justin Verlander, Tigers searching for answers

Detroit Tigers' legendary pitcher Justin Verlander struggled in his 2026 season debut against the Arizona Diamondbacks, raising concerns about his performance and the team's outlook.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:09am

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Detroit Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander had a disappointing outing in his 2026 season debut, giving up 5 runs on 6 hits over 3.2 innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Verlander, a future Hall of Famer, was critical of his own performance, saying 'not the way you draw it up' and that he needs to be 'sharper' going forward. The Tigers ultimately lost the game 9-6, leaving Verlander and the team searching for answers on how to get the veteran pitcher back on track.

Why it matters

Verlander's struggles in his first start raise concerns about the Tigers' pitching staff and their chances of competing this season. As one of the most accomplished pitchers of his generation, Verlander's performance is crucial to the team's success. The Tigers will need him to regain his dominant form if they hope to contend in the AL Central.

The details

In his 2026 debut, Verlander gave up 5 runs on 6 hits, throwing 80 pitches (53 strikes) with 1 strikeout and 2 walks. The Diamondbacks made solid contact, recording 7 batted balls with an exit velocity over 100 mph. Verlander said he was 'equally disappointed' in all of his pitches, unable to locate them effectively. He noted that the Diamondbacks hitters were 'on time for everything' and he had to 'scratch and claw' to get outs.

  • Verlander made his first appearance for the Tigers in 3,135 days, dating back to his trade to the Houston Astros in 2017.
  • The game took place on Monday, March 31, 2026, the Tigers' season opener.

The players

Justin Verlander

A future Hall of Fame pitcher and 3-time AL Cy Young Award winner, Verlander is the active MLB leader in wins (266), innings (3,567.2), starts (555), and strikeouts (3,553). He returned to the Tigers in 2026 after being traded away in 2017.

A.J. Hinch

The manager of the Detroit Tigers, who removed Verlander from the game after 3.2 innings.

Corbin Carroll

An outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks, who hit a triple and a 3-run home run off Verlander in the game.

Dillon Dingler

The Tigers' catcher, who caught Verlander's start and said the veteran pitcher is 'thinking about some different things' to try and fix his issues.

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What they’re saying

“'Really just execution. It didn't look like he was throwing the ball where he wanted to. He yanked some fastballs down. They put some pretty good swings on him and he battled until I took the ball out of his hand.'”

— A.J. Hinch, Tigers Manager

“'Not the way you draw it up. Obviously, you spend all spring training working on stuff, feel OK, and then first game of season felt like nothing was right.'”

— Justin Verlander

“'Emotionally, I was excited.'”

— Justin Verlander

“'Obviously a bit defeated. Now, that sucks, not the way I obviously wanted it to go, which is disappointing for myself more than anybody else in the world.'”

— Justin Verlander

“'He's a perfectionist. I mean, he's one of the best to ever do it. So it's kind of cool to see the constant drive that he has. Each day he's trying to get better and trying to get better.'”

— Dillon Dingler, Tigers Catcher

What’s next

Verlander and the Tigers will look to bounce back in their next game on April 2nd against the Diamondbacks. The team and Verlander will analyze video, data, and his mechanics to try and identify and fix the issues that led to his rough outing.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the high expectations and pressure on Justin Verlander as he returns to the Tigers. Despite his Hall of Fame credentials, he is still searching for answers to regain his dominant form. The Tigers will need Verlander to lead their pitching staff if they hope to compete this season, making his ability to bounce back a key storyline to follow.