DETROIT (AP) — Tigers ace Justin Verlander is expected to play catch Monday, less than three weeks after having core muscle repair surgery.
General manager Dave Dombrowski says he doesn’t anticipate Verlander missing any starts this season, but he can’t promise anything. Verlander had surgery Jan. 9 after hurting himself in December during offseason conditioning.
Dr. Bill Meyers in Philadelphia performed the operation on Verlander, who was expected to need six weeks of rehab before being evaluated again. The first workout for Detroit’s pitchers and catchers at spring training is scheduled for Feb. 14.
Verlander went 13-12 last year with a 3.46 ERA for the AL Central champions. He has been Detoit’s opening day starter for the last six seasons.
