Justin Verlander's Final Start Before MLB Retirement Teased by Tigers Manager amid Injury Rehab

Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch is still aiming to have Justin Verlander start one of the two games in his celebratory sendoff later this month.

The Tigers announced they're honoring the three-time Cy Young winner during their Sept. 25 and 26 home matchups against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The right-hander hasn't stepped onto the mound since March, but Hinch is holding out hope he'll get back out there one more time.

"In pencil, we're aiming for that last weekend, which we know is going to be an emotional, important weekend for him," the manager told reporters Sunday. "But also, if we can get him in that series, roughly on that Saturday, that would be at that seven-day cadence. 

"But also, if we can get him in that series, roughly on that Saturday, that would be at that seven-day cadence."

Verlander's reunion with the Tigers made for a great story. He's one of the greatest aces in franchise history and will always be connected to their two trips to the World Series in 2006 and 2012.

However, Verlander landed on the injured list in April with hip inflammation. Detroit then had to scratch him from a June start because of hamstring trouble.

At 69-79, the Tigers are fourth in the American League Central and a long shot to make the playoffs.

If they were in the thick of the postseason race, it might be more difficult to justify starting Verlander when he'd be so rusty. But his farewell is the biggest thing the fanbase has to look forward to at this point. A loss to the Pirates in Game 161 won't mean much in the grand scheme of things, either.

Hinch avoided being too declarative. He said he wanted to avoid making a "false promise" because Verlander's status is far from guaranteed.

For now, one final start from the surefire Hall of Famer is still on the table.