In 2014, Tigers invited VerHagen to spring training.[7] Prior to being called up in 2014, VerHagen was 6–7, with a 3.67 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 19 starts for the Triple-AToledo Mud Hens. VerHagen made his major league debut for the Detroit Tigers on July 19, 2014, in a game against the Cleveland Indians.[8] VerHagen allowed five hits and three earned runs in five innings while walking three and striking out four.[9] He was optioned back to Triple-A Toledo the next day.[10]
In 2015, VerHagen was converted into a reliever, making 20 appearances out of the bullpen between AA Erie and AAA Toledo.[11] He made one appearance with the Tigers on July 5, and was optioned back to Toledo. He returned to the Tigers for an August 19 appearance against the Chicago Cubs and remained with the parent club the rest of the season. VerHagen recorded his first career major league win, in a 9–2 decision over the Cleveland Indians in the second game of a doubleheader on September 13, 2015. He pitched two scoreless innings, allowing zero hits and two walks.[12] For the 2015 season, he would pitch a total of 26+1⁄3 innings with the Tigers, surrendering only 18 hits while striking out 13 and posting a 2.05 ERA.
In 2016, VerHagen made the Tigers' opening-day roster. On May 22, 2016, he was optioned to AAA Toledo after compiling a 7.11 ERA in 19 innings pitched.[13] A day later, the Tigers placed him on the 60-day disabled list due to right shoulder thoracic outlet syndrome.[14]
VerHagen with the Tigers in 2016
In 2017, the Tigers optioned VerHagen to AAA Toledo to start the 2017 season. He was recalled on July 24.[15] He made 24 appearances (two starts) in the 2017 season, compiling a 5.77 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 34+1⁄3 innings.
In spring training 2018, manager Ron Gardenhire and VerHagen discussed a full-time bullpen role for the upcoming season.[16] VerHagen made the Tigers opening day roster, and was placed in the bullpen. On April 23, he was designated for assignment after posting a 6.30 ERA in 10 innings. The Tigers announced that they would purchase VerHagen's contract so he could start the first game of a doubleheader on June 4, 2018.[17] He posted a 4.27 ERA the rest of the season, contributing to a final line of 3–3, 4.63 ERA, and 53 strikeouts in 56+1⁄3 innings.
In 2019, VerHagen was designated for a rehab assignment in Class A Lakeland to start the 2019 season, due to a sore shoulder. He was recalled to the Tigers on April 7, following an injury to starter Matt Moore.[18] The Tigers designated VerHagen for assignment on May 4 after he gave up six runs in a 15–3 loss.[19] He was outrighted to Toledo on May 11. On July 25, the Tigers selected his contract.[20] On August 23, VerHagen struck out a career-high 11 batters in a win over the Minnesota Twins.[21] He finished the season with a record of 4–3 in 22 games (four starts), with a 5.90 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 58 innings pitched. VerHagen was released on November 25, 2019.[22]
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters
On November 26, 2019, VerHagen signed a one-year contract with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).[23] He signed a one-year extension with the team on November 22, 2020.[24] He became a free agent following the 2021 season.
St. Louis Cardinals
VerHagen Hurls for St. Louis, 2023.
On March 11, 2022, VerHagen agreed to a two-year contract worth $5.5 million with the St. Louis Cardinals.[25] He made 19 appearances for the Cardinals during an injury-plagued season, registering a 6.65 ERA and 1.89 WHIP in 21.2 innings pitched. On August 4, he underwent season-ending surgery on his hip.[26] He became a free agent following the 2023 season.
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (second stint)
On January 12, 2024, VerHagen re-signed a contract with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of NPB.[27]
Pitch selection
VerHagen throws two primary pitches: a fastball in the 93–96 miles per hour (150–154km/h) range, topping out at 98 miles per hour (158km/h), and an upper-70s curveball. He throws his fastball as both a four-seam fastball and a two-seam fastball. He mixes in an occasional changeup at 82–86 miles per hour (132–138km/h).[28]
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