Tigers Daily Report
March 30, 2026
Executive Summary
The Detroit Tigers (2-1) visit the Arizona Diamondbacks (0-3) at 10:10 p.m. ET on Monday, March 30, with three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander scheduled to make his first start for the Tigers in their second series of the season.
Top Story
Verlander Takes the Mound for Emotional Tigers Debut
Justin Verlander is readying to make his first start in a Tigers uniform since Aug. 30, 2017, against the Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Verlander signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Tigers after nine years away, having won the Cy Young with Detroit in 2011 and Houston in 2019 and '22. He gave up seven homers in 14 2/3 innings in spring training, posting a 6.75 ERA, though he said "I feel good about my off-speed stuff". The Tigers opened on a more positive note, winning two of three from the Padres in San Diego, where 21-year-old rookie Kevin McGonigle had a rousing series.
Source: Field Level Media
Around the Club
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Injuries — Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris expects Troy Melton (elbow inflammation) and Jackson Jobe (Tommy John rehab) to pitch for them this season, with Melton expected first and "Jackson will be available hopefully in August". Source: MLB.com
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Prospects — Kevin McGonigle (MLB No. 2), JJ Wetherholt (MLB No. 5) and Carson Benge (MLB No. 16) will open the 2026 season as Major Leaguers, along with 17 other members of MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects list. Source: MLB.com
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Game Recap — Rookie Kevin McGonigle hit a tiebreaking, two-run single with the bases loaded and two outs in the eighth inning to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 5-2 win against the San Diego Padres on Friday night. Source: ESPN
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Schedule — The Tigers face Brandon Pfaadt on March 31 and Zac Gallen on April 1 to complete their Arizona series. Source: Fox Sports
Quick Hits
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On the 10th pitch of an at-bat Thursday night, McGonigle got a hit on a go-ahead single into right field in the eighth inning.
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The Tigers never issued jersey No. 35 to another player while Verlander was gone, and that number will eventually be on the bricks inside Comerica Park.
Next Game
Arizona Diamondbacks — March 30, 10:10 p.m. ET, Chase Field
Tigers Daily Report — March 30, 2026