Former Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander will make his first start at Comerica Park since being traded to the Houston Astros last year.
- Justin Verlander thanks Detroit for support in Instagram post
- Justin Verlander: "I was given 45 minutes to make the hardest decision of my life"
Verlander is slated to start Monday night against the Tigers with an early 6:10 p.m. start at Comerica Park.
In an Instagram post, Verlander said he made it here early on Sunday night, which is standard procedure for a starting pitcher.
"I'm really excited about tomorrow. I've heard a lot of people are excited as well in the area. It's my first time back in the city and I cannot wait to take the mound here at Comerica Park in front of the fans I have known and loved for so long," Verlander said.
Verlander last faced the Tigers in Houston in July where he gave up four home runs in six innings. It was his first start against his old team.
The Tigers traded Verlander to the Astros on Sept. 1 last season to shed $170 million in payroll. He left a message for Tigers fans shortly after the trade, and thanked them again after winning the World Series in Houston.
Verlander is 14-9 this season for the Astros with a 2.73 ERA, which is seventh-best in the MLB in ERA and fourth-best in the American League.
