Tigers Open Final Season Series Against Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Tigers opened their final three-game series of the 2026 regular season Friday at Comerica Park, with rookie Bubba Chandler facing Jackson Jobe in his ninth start since returning from Tommy John surgery. Jobe had pitched well in September and previously held Pittsburgh to one run over 5⅓ innings, while Chandler entered the matchup after three consecutive winning starts but had been less effective in his latest outings. Detroit had already been eliminated from postseason contention. Saturday’s game was set to feature Justin Verlander making his final career start before retirement; the series was scheduled to conclude Sunday.