Justin Verlander is re-debuting as a Detroit Tigers starting pitcher. A comparison of three lineups shows just how things have changed.
changed the photo on his X bio page to the photo he took on 2005 Detroit Tigers media day. At that time, he was the Tigers’ first-round pick the previous year out of Old Dominion. He made his MLB debut later that year.
in 2017 before he was dealt to the Houston Astros at the deadline. He helped Houston win two World Series titles, underwent one Tommy John surgery and won two more American League Cy Young awards. He signed with the New York Mets, was traded back to Houston and landed with San Francisco last year.Wanna take a time back in time? Let’s compare three lineups — tonight’s behind the 43-year-old Verlander, the one from his final game in Detroit in 2017 and then — gulp — the lineup behind him in his MLB debut.Justin Verlander changed his profile picture on X to his 2005 Tigers' media day picture 📸Let’s point out the obvious — everyone in the lineup was born after Verlander, who was born in 1983. McGonigle comes the closest to being born after Verlander’s MLB debut in 2005. McGonigle was born in 2004. He’s only slightly older than Verlander’s career.Next, let’s go back in time and look at the lineup for Verlander’s last start with the Tigers — Aug. 30, 2017, at Colorado:First, Nick Castellanos was there? And guess what? He homered. Of course because that’s what Castellanos does when big things are about to happen. And Verlander’s in the lineup? Yes, pitchers were still hitting in the National League back then. Since the game was at Coors Field, Verlander had to hit. He went 1-for-3 and drove in a run.Now, get ready. Here, in all its glory, is the lineup that started behind Verlander when he made his Major League debut on July 4, 2005. Seriously? July 4?:Really? Verlander’s first center fielder was a guy named Nook? That’s a “Bull Durham” name right there. Why no Miguel Cabrera? He was still in Florida with the Marlins and was playing his third season. He didn’t land with the Tigers until 2008. At least his manager as Tigers legend Alan Trammell. That was his last year, though. He was replaced by another legend, Jim Leyland, for 2006.Matthew Postins is an award-winning sports journalist who covers Major League Baseball for OnSI. He also covers the Big 12 Conference for Heartland College Sports.Guardians vs. Dodgers Prediction, Odds, Probable Pitchers, Prop Bets for Monday, March 30
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