Verlander's Simulated Game Cut Short Due To Fatigue
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT - Justin Verlander faced live hitters Wednesday for the first time since he strained his triceps back in March, but the simulated game ended prematurely, after about 45 pitches over three innings, according to reports from those covering the Detroit Tigers at PNC Park in Pittsburgh this week.
Previously, manager Brad Ausmus had told media the team hoped for Verlander to throw at least four innings in the simulated game. Verlander told reporters Wednesday that fatigue, not pain, cut the session short.
"The bullpen went pretty well," Verlander said, per Chris Iott of MLive. "I got out into the game and just felt a little bit fatigued after the first inning. But all in all, in talking to the trainers, it should be a big positive step."
The next step for Verlander, who is on the disabled list for the first time in his career, has not yet been determined. Ausmus told reporters a decision will be made Friday, when the Tigers return to Detroit.
A rehab start could be an option, though not one Verlander would prefer.
"If I feel like I'm good enough to go on a rehab start, I feel like I'm good enough to pitch in the big leagues," Verlander said, per Beck.
Last year Verlander, who won the Cy Young and MVP in 2011, had one of the worst seasons of his career. He said earlier this offseason he believes some of his struggles were related to the effects of the core muscle repair surgery he underwent before the 2014 season. Verlander said earlier in the spring he felt as good as he had in years, but then he strained his triceps in a spring training game March 27, and the Tigers placed him on the 15-day disabled list to start the season.
