Verlander Will Throw Simulated Game Tuesday
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
DETROIT - After throwing an up-and-down bullpen Thursday, Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander has been scheduled to pitch a simulated game Tuesday, manager Brad Ausmus said.
"He felt good," Ausmus said Friday. "No complaints today, so we have scheduled him for a simulated game Tuesday in Oakland.
"He did his warmup routine, which is like 45-ish pitches, sat down, got up, threw eight warmups like he would before an inning, threw 15 pitches, sat down, threw eight warmups, threw 15 pitches," Ausmus added.
Neither Ausmus nor Verlander was sure how many innings he would throw in the simulated game.
"To be determined," Verlander said, noting he is excited for the outing.
Ausmus said Verlander will still need to complete a rehab stint before he returns to action for Detroit. Verlander has been on the disabled list since the beginning of the season with a triceps strain.
Rondon throwing again Sunday
Reliever Bruce Rondon also appears to be headed in the right direction. Ausmus said Rondon's rehab appearance Thursday with Triple-A Toledo went well.
"Rondon threw two-thirds of an inning," Ausmus said. "He felt good. Talking to him today, he feels fine today, which is a good sign. He's set to go back out, throw another inning - ballpark, in the ballpark of an inning - on Sunday."
Rondon, like Verlander, has been on the disabled list all season. He is working to return from bicipital tendinitis.
Martinez in Orlando
The Tigers placed designated hitter Victor Martinez on the disabled list Tuesday with knee inflammation, and he is now in Florida to work on getting back to form.
"He's in Orlando, and he begins his rehab with a therapist there that he used prior to spring training," Ausmus said. "He begins it today."
Martinez had been struggling with soreness in his knee, which was surgically repaired this offseason after he tore the medial meniscus.
Avila feeling better
Catcher Alex Avila went on the disabled list May 9 (retroactive to May 7) with what was originally diagnosed as a loose body in his knee. Instead of undergoing surgery, Avila opted for treatment that should allow him to return to play sooner. Ausmus said the process is going well.
"He's doing his rehab, he's riding the bike and doing his exercises," Ausmus said. "There's not really a timetable, but I know he feels better. He said the knee feels better going up and down stairs, so it seems to be working."
