Tigers manager hasn't ruled out DL stint for Verlander
It remains unclear when Justin Verlander will pitch next after being scratched from Thursday's spring start amid continued soreness in his triceps, and Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus conceded Tuesday the 32-year-old could open the season on the disabled list.
"If we had to use it, we could," Ausmus told reporters.
Verlander could appear in a minor-league game Friday, but appears unlikely to make another outing in the Grapefruit League. If he's unable to take the mound Friday, though, Verlander won't be ready to make his scheduled regular-season debut April 8.
Ausmus stated Tuesday he'd like to see the six-time All-Star pitch in a game before penciling him into the rotation, while mentioning that Anibal Sanchez would pitch April 8 if Verlander is unavailable.
Verlander, who left Friday's spring outing with cramping in his triceps, wasn't sure whether he'd play catch Tuesday, but Ausmus suggested he's cautiously optimistic about his club's titular ace.
"I still think long-term, he's going to be completely fine," Ausmus said. "Actually even more short-term, I think he could be completely fine."