VERLANDER SURPRISES FREEMAN DURING FOX POSTSEASON BROADCAST

Justin Verlander appeared on FOX Sports' postseason coverage just nine days after his final MLB appearance, surprising Freddie Freeman during a postgame interview following the Los Angeles Dodgers' 3-1 win over the Atlanta Braves in Game 3. Verlander introduced himself to Freeman on air before the interview could proceed as normal, prompting Freeman to say "Hold on, J" before congratulating him. Freeman told Verlander: "That was so awesome to watch in that final start. Congratulations on a Hall of Fame career. Miss you, and congrats." The exchange followed Verlander's retirement after 21 seasons in Major League Baseball.

Verlander's final start came on 26 September against the Pittsburgh Pirates, in which he allowed two runs across five and two-thirds innings with six strikeouts. His daughter, Genevieve, ran onto the mound as he prepared to leave the game. Verlander said of his decision to retire: "The arm held out great, but the leg gave out on me." He has since joined FOX Sports' October coverage team alongside broadcaster Kevin Burkhardt and former players Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz.

During the Game 3 broadcast, Verlander asked Freeman about his confidence following a base hit against Braves pitcher Chris Sale roughly six weeks earlier. In that game, Sale allowed a two-run home run to Kiké Hernández, giving the Dodgers a 2-0 lead by the fourth inning. The Dodgers' win over the Braves extended their run in the series, with the move continuing a recent pattern of retired players, including Clayton Kershaw at NBC, transitioning directly into broadcasting roles during the same postseason.