Verlander Will See Double Duty Next Week
Justin Verlander is going to start back-to-back games for the Tigers next week. Not on consecutive days, but consecutive games. The All-Star break makes that feat possible.
Manager Jim Leyland has been adamant in having Verlander stay in turn and start Sunday in Kansas City, which would prohibit him from starting or pitching in the All-Star game Tuesday in Arizona.
Leyland has confirmed what was clear all along, that Verlander would also start for the Tigers when play resumes after the All-Star break, which for Detroit will be July 15 against the Chicago White Sox.
"He'll pitch the first game, most likely," Leyland said. "I had him (pitching) the first or second day. He preferred the first day."
After Verlander threw 129 pitches Tuesday night in Anaheim in a 1-0 loss that broke his nine-game winning streak, Leyland said he will watch his ace Sunday to see whether he has a high pitch-count again.
If so, Leyland might have him pitch the second game when play resumes.
Detroit is off July 18, but Leyland said he'll keep his rotation intact rather than have Verlander pitch ahead of the others.
Instead Verlander will open a series in Minnesota on July 21.
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