Paul Skenes was driving down Perry Highway in Wexford just past seven o’clock Monday night when the Pirates superstar pitcher made a pit stop. It was a Little League field. Skenes signed autographs for over two hours, connecting with Pittsburgh's next generation. For @MLB ⤵️

Kirby Yates adds to the history Saturday and calls it a career: mlb.com/pirates/news/kirby-y…

A day of farewells at Comerica Park as Justin Verlander and Kirby Yates say goodbye to baseball. On the ending of two different but accomplished careers. 🎥

Also asked Kirby Yates about sharing this moment with his son, daughter and wife: "They're a huge part of everything. Obviously, I got a daughter too, and you know when I had surgery about five years ago or whatever it was, they didn't know what Daddy did. They didn't have a clue. They just knew that for Daddy baseball was work, and they didn't really understand the concept of we went out and played the games and kind of tried to make a goal that I need to play this game as long as I can so that they can at least see me play on the field and know that this is what daddy did and now they understand baseball pretty well, and they've been to a number of games. Oddly, my daughter just told me that, asked me if we'll go to more baseball games when I'm done because she thinks they're fun. So just to be able to last long enough and have them, really grasp the concept of this is what I've done for however many years, and now they can remember it and take it forward."

I asked Kirby Yates after he announced his retirement about the journey from an undrafted guy to an ovation like we saw today: "The whole journey, I got drafted in 26th round of high school. I chose not to sign, and then I went undrafted. And it was pretty hard to get to the big leagues. And once I got there, I just remember how hard it was to get to the big leagues and realizing how hard it was to stay there, and I stayed here for 12-13 years. I kind of joke around with everybody, tell them I'm an overachiever, and I think I overachieved in every possible way. So I mean it's a bittersweet day. I'm sad it's over, but I'm really proud of what I accomplished and everything that I've done on that. Like I said, I gave it everything I have, and I got no regrets."

Kirby Yates makes it official. He will retire.

Oneil Cruz is going to get an MRI on the left knee. It was precautionary to take him out. Tightened up after a few innings.

Final from Comerica Park: the Pirates are walked off as Mason Montgomery falters for the first time in two months. Tigers win 4-3. Kirby Yates opened the game with 1.1 innings in what could be his final game. Brandon Lowe homered off Justin Verlander in the starter's last game. 81-80 with 1 to go.

The end of a Hall of Fame career.

Looks like Justin Verlander will stay in for the sixth. No handshakes. Pirates lead 2-0 after another homer, this one from Jacob Gonzalez.

Brandon Lowe spoils Justin Verlander's outing with a solo home run, his 35th of the year. RBI 96, four away from 100 for the first time in his career.

Justin Verlander MLB debut 7/4/05 Konnor Griffin born 4/24/06 Griffin is the first batter to face a pitcher who debuted before he was born since Bryce Harper (10/16/92 born) faced Miguel Batista (4/11/92 debut) on 6/6/12

Oneil Cruz is out of the game. Jake Mangum goes in.

A cool moment for Kirby Yates. Looks like that might be it for his career too.

Oneil Cruz is down after a play in center field. He dug up some grass as his leg got stuck in the grass. He will stay in the game.

Justin Verlander retires the Pirates in order in the top of the first. He topped out at 93.7 mph but the changeup and slider were filthy.

For the final time, Justin Verlander.

Justin Verlander heads to the bullpen for the final time.

I asked GM Ben Cherington about the pending free agency of Brandon Lowe. His response: "It's gone remarkably well on and off the field. I mean, he's been everything we could have hoped for as a player and also in the clubhouse, and we know how his teammates feel about him. They express that, it's good. It would be a great outcome if he's a Pirate next year. We'll have some things to talk about and plenty of time in October to have more conversation with him about that. We just need to learn more about what opportunities are out there for us, and he's put himself in a strong position too. So more to learn on that front, but would be a great outcome if he's a Pirate and think the world of him and the job he's done."

Ryan O’Hearn is leading off today. An interesting lineup for the penultimate game.

Kirby Yates has made 517 relief appearances in his MLB career. On Saturday, he’ll make his first start, opening for the Pirates against Justin Verlander. This could be Yates’ last appearance. 🎥