Here's the lineup for Justin Verlander's return to the Tigers

admin_news admin_news
Mar 31, 2026 - 05:30
0 0
Here's the lineup for Justin Verlander's return to the Tigers

Must-See JV is back.

Justin Verlander is set to make his first start for the Tigers since August 2017 on Monday night, when the Tigers play the Diamondbacks in the series opener in Arizona. First pitch is set for 10:10, on Detroit SportsNet.

Verlander was signed to a one-year, $13-million contract this offseason, finalizing a reunion that Tigers fans have been calling for, for the better of a decade. Verlander's last regular-season start for Detroit was at Colorado, on Aug. 30, 2017, before he was traded to Houston as part of the Tigers' rebuild.

Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander looks at his grip during the first pitchers and catchers workout at Tigers Spring Training in Lakeland, Fla. on Feb. 11, 2026.

Verlander, 43, has played for the Astros, New York Mets and San Francisco Giants since leaving the Tigers. He returned to Detroit, following back-to-back playoff appearances by the Tigers. He's part of a rotation that includes two-time reigning Cy Young winner and free-agent signing Framber Valdez.

Verlander is 34 wins from reaching 300 for his career; 183 of his 266 have come with the Tigers.

Verlander will make his Comerica Park return Sunday night, against the St. Louis Cardinals in a game that will be broadcast on NBC's "Sunday Night Baseball."

Here's the rest of the Tigers' lineup for Monday night's game:

  • 1. Kerry Carpenter, RF
  • 2. Gleyber Torres, 2B
  • 3. Colt Keith, DH
  • 4. Riley Greene, LF
  • 5. Spencer Torkelson, 1B
  • 6. Kevin McGonigle, 3B
  • 7. Dillon Dingler, C
  • 8. Parker Meadows, CF
  • 9. Javier Báez, SS
  • Justin Verlander, SP

Here is the Diamondbacks' lineup for Game 1:

  • 1. Ketel Marte, 2B
  • 2. Corbin Carroll, RF
  • 3. Geraldo Perdamo, SS
  • 4. Gabriel Moreno, C
  • 5. Nolan Arenado, 3B
  • 6. Alek Thomas, CF
  • 7. Carlos Santana, 1B
  • 8. Ildemaro Vargas, DH
  • 9. Jordan Lawlar, LF
  • Michael Soroka, SP

The Tigers wontwo of three games against the Padres. They play three games against the Diamondbacks, Monday through Wednesday, before returning to Detroit. Opening Day at Comerica Park is Friday.

tpaul@detroitnews.com

@tonypaul1984

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Detroit Tigers to face Arizona in Justin Verlander's return

Read More