Diamondbacks Defeat Tigers in Verlander's Return

Veteran pitcher struggles in first start for Detroit since 2017

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:52am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In his highly anticipated return to the Detroit Tigers, veteran pitcher Justin Verlander struggled against the Arizona Diamondbacks, giving up 5 runs on 5 hits, including a 3-run home run, in the early innings of Monday's game at Chase Field.

Why it matters

Verlander's comeback was seen as a feel-good story, with the former Cy Young winner and future Hall of Famer back with the team that drafted him. However, his rough outing raises questions about how much he has left in the tank after several injury-plagued seasons.

The details

Verlander, who last pitched for the Tigers in August 2017 before being traded to the Houston Astros, was tagged for 5 runs in the first few innings, including a 3-run home run by Diamondbacks slugger Corbin Carroll. The hard-hitting Diamondbacks lineup proved too much for the 40-year-old right-hander in his return to Detroit.

  • Verlander last pitched for the Tigers on August 30, 2017 before being traded to the Astros.
  • Verlander made his first start for the Tigers since that trade on March 31, 2026.

The players

Justin Verlander

A veteran right-handed pitcher and future Hall of Famer who is making a comeback with the Detroit Tigers, the team that drafted him in 2004.

Corbin Carroll

A young slugger for the Arizona Diamondbacks who hit a 3-run home run off Verlander in the early innings of Monday's game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm an emotional person,”

— Justin Verlander, Tigers Pitcher

What’s next

Verlander and the Tigers will look to bounce back in the next game of the series against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday.

The takeaway

Verlander's rough return to Detroit raises concerns about whether the veteran pitcher still has what it takes to compete at the highest level after several injury-plagued seasons. The Tigers and their fans will be closely watching to see if he can regain his dominant form.