Could today be Justin Verlander’s final home start at Comerica Park?

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MLB: Cleveland Indians at Detroit Tigers
Sep 27, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) waves to the crowd after being relieved in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

On Sunday afternoon, Justin Verlander will take the mound at Comerica Park as a member of the Detroit Tigers for the 182nd time in his career.

It could also be the final time he does so.

After splitting a doubleheader with the Cleveland Indians on Saturday, the Tigers are 36-44 which places them a full seven out of first place in the American League Central. Because of their struggles this season, it seems like just a matter of time before GM Al Avila starts selling off players.

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One player that could be dealt before the deadline is Verlander.

Despite having a mammoth contract, Verlander is a name that has come up as possibly being a target of teams in need of a starting pitcher. In fact, according to Yahoo Sports, JV could become available in the “next two weeks.”

A few teams that have been mentioned as potential suitors for Verlander’s services are the Houston Astros, the Colorado Rockies, and, of course, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Dodgers, in my opinion, are the most likely team to land Verlander before the trade deadline. Not only are they willing to spend money but they also have some young players the Tigers could be interested in. Another important thing to remember is that he purchased a house in Beverly Hills (California, not Michigan) during the offseason, and his fiancee, Kate Upton, seems more like a “Hollywood” type than an “Up North” type.

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In order for the Tigers to move JV, he would have to waive his no-trade clause. Though he expressed interest in trying to win a World Series in Detroit prior to the 2017 season, Verlander also said he is “too old to be part of a rebuilding process.”

Those words have to be a little bit concerning for anyone hoping to see the former American League MVP retire in a Tigers uniform.

When Verlander makes his start on Sunday at Comerica Park, it will be his final home start before the All-Star break. By the time the All-Star Game rolls around, the Tigers should have a pretty good idea where they stand as far as what they want to do before the trade deadline, and Verlander, along with many other Tigers, could be placed on the trading block.

Will Verlander be moved before the deadline? Could Sunday be his final home start at Comerica Park? Only time will answer those questions but if it is his final home start in Detroit, it will be very difficult to see JV take the field in a different jersey.

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