Verlander Lights Up for Tigers; Orioles' Struggle Stays in Flames
Ties can happen in Spring Training, and the Tigers have a bunch of ties already. This was another.
LAKELAND, FL - MARCH 12: Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during the spring training game against the New York Yankees at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 12, 2026 in Lakeland, Florida. The Yankees defeated the Tigers 4-3. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images * cracks knuckles * Well, here goes, the first recap of the 2026 season, even though these games don’t count for anything other than an intellectual exercise.
On a windy St. Patrick’s Day, cool for central Florida in March — a laughable sentiment for those of us dealing with snow — a meaningless game ended with a meaningless score, 1-1. Grizzled veteran Young right-hander Justin Verlander, just a kid at 43, took the mound for the third time this spring.
It was a Tale of Two Halves for Verlander with the Giants last year: first half, . 786 OPS-against, 10 home runs given up, . 273 batting average-against.
Second half, . 685 OPS, 6 dingers, . 247 batting.
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