The Detroit Tigers held their collective breath last night after Justin Verlander was forced to exit Monday night’s game after one inning with a shoulder injury.
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The former Cy Young and MVP award winner underwent an MRI which revealed no structural damage and is not expected to be placed on the disabled list, but will miss his turn in the rotation on Sunday.
That sound you just heard was the state of Michigan breathing sigh of relief with the #Tigers announcing thatJustin Verlander may avoid DL.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 12, 2014
Verlander unlikely to make his turn in rotation Sunday, but hopeful for next week. Robbie Ray would fill in Sunday.
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) August 12, 2014
Brad Ausmus on Justin Verlander: "The initial news is very good." Said Verlander seemed relieved when he spoke with him.
— Chris Iott (@Chris_Iott) August 12, 2014
Ausmus said Verlander has inflammation in multiple spots in his shoulder. Assumes rest will be part of the plan.
— Chris Iott (@Chris_Iott) August 12, 2014
The inflammation found on his shoulder was deemed as normal wear and tear for a pitcher according to Tigers trainer Kevin Rand.
Verlander, 31, has struggled mightily considering his past and is 10-11 with a 4.76 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 118 strikeouts this season and has given up the most hits in the American League this year as he has an uncharacteristically bad season.
Through his struggles it was a question posed by many fans if Verlander was pitching through an injury and there was something wrong from a physical standpoint that was the cause for his poor performance and drop in velocity.
A little rest could be just what Verlander needs to regain the form he displayed over the past few years when he was among the best pitchers in baseball.
The Tigers certainly need him at his best for a postseason push with the Kansas City Royals passing them in the Central.