According to multiple news outlets, Justin Verlander may have to start the season on the disabled list due to a tricep injury sustained during Spring Training. According to CBS, he will not be pitching in another Grapefruit League game, however he will be throwing in a minor league game on Friday.

The impact of this on the team is a big one; if Verlander does get put on the disabled list, the Tigers will have to rely on Price, Sanchez, and new Tigers Shane Greene and Alfredo Simon, as well as find a fifth starter, which may have to come from the minor leagues.

Despite being a flamethrower earlier on in his big league years, this would be Verlander's first time on the disabled list in his entire career. While he has struggled in recent seasons, without Scherzer and Smyly behind him this season he will be expected to step up and contribute at the level he was before the emergence of Scherzer in the rotation. Verlander has gone 1-1 this spring, with five starts and a 5.63 ERA. Perhaps the time off will aid in his return to ace-form.

Justin Verlander has stated that he feels like a much stronger pitcher than he was last season, even in his bullpen sessions. If he does spend time on the disabled list, we can expect to see his first start April 12 against the Cleveland Indians.

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About the author
Chris Robbins
Mostly cover Detroit Sports (Red Wings, Tigers, Lions, Pistons), Michigan and Michigan State athletics, as well as NCAA, National and International Gymnastics.