Tigers’ Verlander undergoes ‘core muscle’ repair surgery
Detroit Tigers’ right hander Justin Verlander underwent successful core muscle repair surgery today, according to the team.
Rehab for this particular surgery is around six weeks, after which time the 2011 American League Cy Young Award and MVP winner will be reevaluated.
Justin Verlander underwent successful core muscle repair surgery this morning. #Tigers
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) January 9, 2014
He will undergo physical rehabilitation for the next six weeks and will be reevaluated at the end of that time. #Tigers
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) January 9, 2014
Tigers’ general manager Dave Dombrowski believes Verlander will be a participant in Spring Training and will be ready by the start of the 2014 regular season.
“We fully anticipate Justin to participate in spring training and be in a position to compete at the beginning of the 2014 season." - DD
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) January 9, 2014
If this sounds familiar, it should. Detroit announced virtually the same thing back in late October when back-to-back AL MVP Miguel Cabrera was to undergo “core muscle repair surgery”, as well. He is also expected to be ready by Spring Training.
Miguel Cabrera underwent successful core muscle repair surgery this morning. The procedure was performed by Dr. Bill Meyers in Philadelphia.
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) October 29, 2013
Verlander saw his ERA jump to 3.46 in 2013 – his highest since 2008 (4.84) – including a 4.80 mark in September and October. He started three games in the postseason and gave up just one earned run combined in those games, however.
Over the course of his 9-year career, the 30-year-old Verlander has gone 137-77 with a 3.41 ERA in 266 starts with 1671 strikeouts and 545 walks.
Verlander has started at least 33 games in each of the past six seasons and hasn’t started less than 30 since his rookie season in 2005. He has been selected to five straight All Star teams and six overall in his career.