The Final Out: Detroit's Quest to Get Justin Verlander Back on the Bump

OPINION: In this game, we talk a lot about how the book ends. Some guys fade away into the sunset of a minor league stint; others are forced out by a sudden injury that leaves them staring at a locker room from the training table. But for a talent like Justin Verlander, a quiet exit isn't an option. He is the gold standard of his generation, and the only way a career of this magnitude should close is with the roar of a Detroit crowd in his ears. This isn't just about a box score; it's about the dignity of the game.

As CBS Sports first reported, the Detroit Tigers and Verlander are currently working toward a specific goal: getting the future Hall of Famer back on the mound before the current season expires. The target, though not set in stone, is Saturday, Sept. 26, which marks the penultimate day of the season. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch told MLB.com that the team is aiming for that final weekend because it will be an emotional and important time for Verlander. Hinch noted that a Saturday start would fit a seven-day cadence, though he cautioned that the plan is only "in pencil" because Verlander still has mound sessions to complete and questions to answer regarding his health.

It has been a long road back. CBS Sports reports that Verlander has not pitched since March 30, having been sidelined by hamstring and hip injuries. While he did throw off a mound this past Saturday, Verlander admitted via MLB.com that his hamstring is not yet 100%. Despite the lingering issues, the 43-year-old is pushing for a return later this month. Verlander is well aware of the risks involved in this push, telling MLB.com that while there is a chance he could seriously hurt himself, that is part of being a professional athlete at his age. He further noted that the team is not following a standard rehab script, questioning, "What are we saving my arm for?"

From a competitive standpoint, the stars are aligning for a ceremonial send-off. CBS Sports notes that the Tigers are expected to be eliminated from postseason contention in the coming days. Furthermore, their opponent for that final weekend, the Pittsburgh Pirates, also face slim postseason odds and will likely be mathematically eliminated by the time they arrive in Detroit. Because these games will have no bearing on the postseason race, the environment is perfect for a farewell. CBS Sports suggests that because the games are meaningless, MLB should consider waiving the three-batter minimum for Verlander's final appearance, allowing him to face even a single batter if that is all his health permits—a move the Pirates would likely not object to.

Verlander officially announced his retirement in July, a move that coincided with his selection as a Legends Pick for the All-Star Game. He leaves the game with a resume that speaks for itself: a three-time Cy Young winner, a former MVP, and a two-time World Series champion. The Tigers have already announced plans to celebrate his storied career during that final weekend, but as CBS Sports points out, a farewell appearance on the mound would be the absolute highlight of the festivities.

Closing the book on a career is an art. For a man who defined pitching for a generation, the only fitting conclusion is one that allows him to stand on the mound one last time in the city where he became a legend.