The Detroit Tigers close out their regular season home schedule on Saturday, September 26, 2026, hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates at Comerica Park for a 1:10 PM ET afternoon game. Justin Verlander gets the ball for Detroit while Pittsburgh sends Kirby Yates to the mound. With the season winding down, this matchup gives the Tigers a chance to finish strong in front of their home fans before whatever the final week of the regular season holds.

Pitching Matchup: Verlander vs. Yates

Verlander on the mound at Comerica Park is always an event worth showing up for. The future Hall of Famer brings his trademark competitiveness and command to every start, and a late-September outing carries its own weight regardless of the standings. Expect Verlander to work efficiently, attack the zone, and give the Tigers every opportunity to win this ballgame.

Yates takes the hill for Pittsburgh. The veteran right-hander has experience closing games at the highest level, though he transitions into a starting role here. The Tigers lineup will need to be disciplined and patient, as Yates is not a pitcher you beat by swinging early and often.

Detroit Tigers Starting Lineup

• 1. Max Clark, CF
• 2. Hao-Yu Lee, 2B
• 3. Kevin McGonigle, 3B
• 4. Eduardo Valencia, DH
• 5. Riley Greene, LF
• 6. Dillon Dingler, C
• 7. Spencer Torkelson, 1B
• 8. Zach McKinstry, RF
• 9. Javier Báez, SS

Keys to Watch

Max Clark Sets the Table

Clark leads off and his ability to get on base at the top of the order immediately puts pressure on Yates. If Clark is reaching base consistently, the Tigers' offense has a chance to create early momentum with Lee and McGonigle following him up.

Spencer Torkelson Needs a Big Afternoon

Batting seventh, Torkelson has the opportunity to do damage in a lineup spot where Pittsburgh's pitching might let its guard down. A productive Torkelson tightens the bottom of the order and keeps rallies alive.

Riley Greene and the Middle of the Order

Greene slots in at fifth with Valencia protecting the cleanup spot. How this stretch of the order performs against Yates will go a long way toward determining whether Detroit puts crooked numbers on the board.

Verlander's Pitch Count and Efficiency

In a late-season start, getting Verlander deep into the game matters for both the bullpen and the outcome. If he commands his fastball and secondary pitches early, he can go six or seven innings and keep the Tigers in a strong position to close it out.

Prediction

Verlander at home in September is a difficult assignment for any opponent, Pittsburgh included. The Tigers get the pitching edge here, and if the middle of the order provides enough run support, Detroit takes this one in front of the Comerica Park faithful. Tigers win, 4-2.

Catch the game on Detroit SportsNet on TV or WXYT 97.1 FM on the radio. First pitch is set for 1:10 PM ET.