Justin Verlander will open the season on the DL. (Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports)
Detroit Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander is headed to the disabled list to start the season because of “concetrated pain” in his right triceps.
Manager Brad Ausmus said Thursday morning that Verlander could return to start April 12. Verlander began a throwing program Wednesday.
Ausmus said Verlander threw from 60 feet at about 60 percent strength Wednesday morning. There was still some lingering soreness for Verlander, who left Friday’s spring game in the third inning after covering first base on a ground ball.
“He felt it a little bit,” Ausmus said. “But definitely felt better.”
Verlander was originally scheduled to start Thursday against the New York Yankees in Lakeland, Fla., in his spring training finale. With that start called off, the Tigers also ruled out a start in a minor league game Friday.
The Tigers hope Verlander can pitch sometime this weekend.
With Verlander out, right-hander Anibal Sanchez will get the start next Wednesday. Sanchez will start the Tigers’ home spring training finale Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays.
The 32-year-old Verlander has never been on the disabled list in his 10-year career.
Last season, Verlander finished 15-12 with a 4.54 ERA and 159 strikeouts. He is a six-time All-Star and won the MVP and Cy Young awards in 2011.
