As opening day nears, Justin Verlander has hit a preseason hiccup. The right-hander made an early departure from his spring training start against the Blue Jays on Friday afternoon, but the Tigers don't believe the injury is serious.
Verlander began cramping in his right triceps muscle, forcing him to leave the mound in the third inning and return to the clubhouse. Following the game, he wasn't overly concerned about the issue.
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"Trainers said it's nowhere near my shoulder, nowhere near my elbow. It just feels like a cramp," Verlander told reporters, according to the Detroit News.
Verlander said he doesn't think an MRI is necessary. He thinks the fact that he was dehydrated a little bit contributed
— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) March 27, 2015During Verlander's 2.2 innings, he threw 40 pitches and allowed only one hit. Before he left, Tigers manager Brad Ausmus was more than pleased with what he saw.
Brad Ausmus said prior to leaving, Justin Verlander was the "Best I've seen him." Period? "You can put an exclamation point if you want."
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) March 27, 2015