Alex Rodriguez has awkward Justin Verlander interview moment before Home Run Derby

Alex Rodriguez had a little slip-up Monday when complimenting Justin Verlander on his long, successful career in the wake of his retirement reveal.
Verlander opened up about his decision to call it quits after the 2026 season on Fox before the Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. The former Yankee and three-time MVP then went on to ask the Tigers star a question, but either got his facts mixed up or made a bizarre joke.
“To the young ones that are out there watching, how do you explain being a late draft pick and being designated for assignment a couple of times with two different teams, right?” Rodriguez asked.
Verlander quickly cut him off, saying, “Me? You’ve got the wrong notes.”
The 43-year-old and 10-time All-Star has never been designated for assignment throughout his 22-year career.
He was also the second overall pick in the 2004 MLB Draft, selected by the Tigers.
“I’m kidding, I’m kidding,” Rodriguez said before going on to ask his question as David Ortiz laughed on the other side of Verlander on the Fox desk.
He eventually praised Verlander’s talent and longevity, asking, “How have you been able to be so good for so long and sometimes you even became a better pitcher later in your 30s?”
Verlander announced his decision to retire last week on social media, saying “I never wanted to retire because of a milestone, a number, or a date on the calendar. I wanted the game to tell me when it was time. Over the last several months, I’ve realized that time has come.”

The righty hurler has only made one start this season — a 9-6 loss to the Cardinals in which he conceded five earned runs and six hits. He was then placed on the IL with a hip injury, which sidelined him for three months.
Verlander went on to have another setback when he suffered a hamstring injury just before his scheduled return for Detroit. He went on to be scratched from his return start and is not currently near being ready to be activated.
The Tigers (44-52) are 6.5 games behind the AL Central-leading White Sox (50-45) and Guardians (51-46).
Verlander said he hopes to come back this season to help his team after a poor first half.