Justin Verlander's first home start date for Tigers since 2017 revealed by insider

The Detroit Tigers are postseason contenders this upcoming season, and it's thanks largely in part to an incredible starting rotation.

While Tarik Skubal and Framber Valdez, along with Jack Flaherty and Casey Mize, are the top starters, Justin Verlander, returning to the Tigers for the first time since 2017, is a very fun storyline for the Tigers.

With Verlander's return, his first start as a Tiger back in Detroit is a date worth remembering. And according to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic, based on the rotation order announced by A.J. Hinch, Verlander's first home start is revealed to be early April.

Justin Verlander's date for first home start for Tigers revealed

"A.J. Hinch said today the Tigers will start the season with this rotation order: Skubal, Valdez, Flaherty, Verlander, Mize," Stabenhagen reports. "Justin Verlander's first home start should be Sunday, April 5 vs. STL."

The Tigers are placing Verlander as their fourth starter, behind Skubal, Valdez, and Flaherty, to begin the year. With his spot in the order set, his expected return in front of the Tigers' home crowd will likely come early April.

If this projection holds, and nothing changes from now until April 5, then Verlander will take the mound in Detroit on Sunday night against the St. Louis Cardinals.

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But, this isn't going to be his first start of the season, as he's projected to start against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday, March 30, in the fourth game of the season for the Tigers.

The 20-year MLB veteran who's effectively a lock to make the Hall of Fame already is coming back to Detroit for his 21st season in the Majors, and his 14th season with the Tigers.

After nearly 10 years, Verlander is back in Detroit and is set to make his first home start in front of Tigers fans on Sunday, April 5, against a Cardinals team in the middle of a rebuild.

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