The Dodgers’ decisive victory over the Braves on Tuesday night was highlighted by an uplifting exchange between two impending Hall‑of Famers, amid a stellar performance lineup.
During FOX’s broadcast of the NLDS, Justin Verlander contributed to an elite analyst panel that gathered the sport’s most celebrated players. The studio featured a combined 50 All‑Star selections, including Verlander, Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz, Derek Jeter and Dontrelle Willis.
In Game 3 of the NLDS, Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the reigning World Series MVP, faced off against 10‑time All‑Star Chris Sale. After Kike Hernández launched a two‑run homer to put Los Angeles ahead in the third inning, Freddie Freeman followed with a solo home run off Sale just two batters later. Yamamoto retired the final 10 batters he faced, delivering seven innings of one‑run ball to secure the victory.
Post‑game, Freeman joined the star‑studded broadcast team and was taken aback when the next question came from Verlander.
“Hold on, ‘J,’” Freeman remarked, recalling Verlander’s emotional farewell start on September 27. “What an incredible way to close out your career. Congratulations on the Hall of Fame, and we’ll miss you—great job.”
Freeman was alluding to Verlander’s final regular‑season start, during which he tossed five innings, allowing two runs, and earned a win against the Orioles. The three‑time Cy Young Award winner and 2011 AL MVP capped his 21‑year run with that performance.
The image of manager A.J. Hinch approaching Verlander—whom he guided in Houston and Detroit—only for the pitcher’s daughter to intercept him has become an unforgettable scene for fans.
Nine days after that farewell start, Verlander returned to the star‑filled studio to discuss the MLB postseason.
Verlander turned to Freeman and asked about their earlier encounter with Sale in early September, when the Dodgers’ first baseman recorded a hit against the Braves’ left‑handed ace.
Verlander’s query: “Does that earlier matchup give you added confidence heading into this game, considering it was six weeks ago?”
“I mean, just like you, he’s going to be in the Hall of Fame,” Freeman observed. “He’s one of the best pitchers in the game, so you simply hope for a mistake and try to be in the right spot. Facing a left‑handed pitcher of his caliber is extremely challenging. As I always say, you have to be ready to give your all against him. If you miss your timing or get behind in the count, you’re in trouble, and his pitches can come in tight. You’ve got to accept being hit, even near your ear, and stay focused. That’s my approach, and I was fortunate to make solid contact when the opportunity arose.”
Ahead of the contest, Verlander discussed his retirement, explaining that it had become evident early in the season that his body could no longer keep pace with the rigors of a 21‑year career.
“It was pretty straightforward,” Verlander explained. “During my season debut my leg began to ache. Throughout my career I’ve always said I love this game and I’ll play until the wheels fall off. My arm stayed healthy, but my leg gave out.”
Justin Verlander embraces his daughter as the final start of his major‑league career comes to an end on Sept. 27. (Allan Dranberg/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Across 21 seasons, Verlander amassed a Hall of Fame résumé highlighted by two World Series championships and numerous individual awards. Yet, those accolades are not what he values most.
“I’m most proud of the volume,” Verlander reflected. “I started 557 games, hurled 3,576 2⁄3 innings and recorded 3,560 strikeouts. My pride comes from taking the ball and staying in the field for as many starts as the game allowed. Looking back, I’ve always believed that if I’m there every time, the stats will speak for themselves; at the end of the day, I’m doing my job.”
