An MRI brought good results for the Tigers’ Justin Verlander, whose shoulder has suffered “no major structural damage,” according to manager Brad Ausmus (via a tweet from Chris Iott of MLive.com). Some relatively minor inflammation was identified, which will require some rest and at least one missed start, but a DL stint is unlikely at this time.
In sum, the news was positive both for the team’s efforts to re-take the AL Central and the long-term return on Verlander’s massive contract. Though he has not been himself this year, with a 4.76 ERA and just 6.7 K/9 against 3.1 BB/9 (after yesterday’s brutal one winning of work), Verlander has still been a workhorse with 158 2/3 innings pitched. And Detroit will no doubt be relieved that it can expect to feed him innings rather than relying on unproven youngsters or being forced to go back to the trade market.
Verlander has tossed at least 200 frames a season every year since 2007, avoiding any time on the DL along the way, and it will be remarkable if he can yet again steer clear of going inactive. The absence of structural issues with his shoulder would seem to rule out some of the worst-case scenarios. Performance issues remain, however, as Verlander has not produced the results or peripherals of a pitcher who is guaranteed $140MM after the year.
There’s no damage, it’s just as soon as the ink dries on albatross contracts, alot of the players just seem to flop.
Verlander wouldn’t be one of them He was pretty good for the year after the ink dried on his.
I can only agree in principle that he was good, (not great) but still not as good as a $20million salary even if you look at how much each WAR is worth. But the new money from the extension didn’t cover last year did it?
JV had core muscle surgery. Which stopped him from completing his usual off season prep. My guess, he isn’t fully healed from the surgery and he still isn’t up to(or wasn’t up to)full strength when he started pitching. He should’ve sat out April.
Yup, that’s my guess as well.
they have had back to back Players managers.They need a Larry Bowa.No leaders on this team what so ever
I’m okay with them giving Bobby Valentine a shot 😀
You apparently are not familiar with this team…. Or Larry Bowa for that matter.
How’s about resting him a bit and putting him in the 9th inning roll the rest of the way this season?
That could make things worse. Relievers work different than starters do and not all of them can make the transition. Considering the sizable investment they’ve made in him, I doubt that’s a risk Detroit is willing to make.
Certainly. I was just thinking of a John Smoltz type scenario to finish the season and potentially solve a bullpen issue…of course they might need sp depth from a trade.
I’m sure it’s been talked about as there are not many viable trade options right now, but that would be risky.
Smoltz’ move was largely health related. Verlander appears to be fine. He just isn’t fine.
Not sure what their options are in his health. They are contending with him as is, might be better just to rest him.
Actually Smoltz/Verlander are not that far different in terms of “health”.. it appears.
Verlander could use some reduction in innings. I bet he can get 2-3 MPG back if he only has to pitch to a few batters at a time.
I would use him in more of a 2012 Lincecum role… Long relief in close games every 5-6 days.
They need to worry about their bullpen and why their offense isn’t scoring any runs, Verlander is arguably their 5th starter
He’s not being paid like one.
At best he’s a 5th starter. It’s not like he’s just having a bad season. . He’s been getting lit up for over a year now.
Key point: He gave up ONE earned run in 23 postseason innings pitched last year. When it really mattered he was great.
This is good news for Verlander, and also to the A’s — assuming they play each other in the postseason — because it wouldn’t feel the same beating the Tigers without him.
Would be ironic to have Scherzer or Price take Verlander’s role. I would take a 7 game series with the As right now as a Tiger’s fan.
It’s always fun to assume, but the Tigers might not even get out of the Wild Card game if they can’t hold off the Royals.
Wonderful. His shoulder is fine. He has no excuse except he stunk.
why do so many say JV has a huge ego? examples?
I’m not one of them, but here are a few off the top of my head. He wanted to hit in the homerun derby as pitcher, commented that the A’s trade for Samardzija was because of the Tigers, wanted the opening day start even though it was earned by Scherzer.
In defense of Verlander, everyone has en ego. To me, Verlander doesn’t have a “huge ego” like David Ortiz or Aroldis Chapman.
He didn’t want to hit in the home run derby. That was a joke because of his terrible career line. Him commenting on the A’s trade has nothing to do with self worth. And of course he wanted to start Opening Day. Anybody would. He never said he SHOULD start over Scherzer. He said last year that he would’ve liked to take the ball in Game 1 vs. Oakland, but understood why it went to Scherzer.
We have different definitions of the term ego. Society’s definition of ego is typically perceived to be negative. To me, an ego is just the person that someone thinks they are or should be, and it can be positive or negative. I don’t consider any of the things I listed as negative.
He wanted to start opening day because he sees himself as an opening day starter. Nothing wrong at all with that, but that is his ego — the type of person he thinks he is or should be.
Whether or not Verlander is injured and the Tigers make the playoffs, Porcello should be in the starting 4. JV just hasn’t pitched good all year and at this point is a liability.
Glad no structural damage to his shoulder. Now about his head……..
I don’t see the Tigers making the playoffs. They have too many quality players playing half-strength…or not at all – due to injury.