Tigers manager: Verlander making 1st start 'a little bit of a stretch'

Justin Verlander was already snubbed as the Detroit Tigers' Opening Day starter, and now it appears he'll miss his first regular-season start due to a triceps injury.

The 2011 Cy Young and American League MVP winner will not pitch Friday, putting his first start next Wednesday in jeopardy. Verlander threw from 60 feet Wednesday at around 60-percent strength, and reported some soreness following the session.

"It's a little bit of a stretch, but I wouldn't wave it off yet," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said when asked about Verlander's availability.

A stint on the disabled list is looming for the 32-year-old hurler, who suffered the injury last Friday in a spring start against the Toronto Blue Jays.

David Price will throw the season opener Monday versus the Minnesota Twins and Anibal Sanchez would be the likely replacement for the second game of the series.