Tigers pitcher to miss games due to injury

Justin Verlander’s sore right shoulder will likely force him to miss at least one start, the latest setback for the reeling Detroit Tigers.

But Detroit Manager Brad Ausmus is thrilled that the news isn’t worse. Ausmus said an MRI on Verlander’s shoulder Tuesday revealed inflammation “in a number of different areas” but no major structural damage.

“It’s not a surgical injury and as of right now it doesn’t seem like he’ll have to go on the DL,” Ausmus said.

Verlander left Monday night’s 11-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates after laboring through a first inning in which he surrendered five runs. He complained of discomfort in the shoulder afterward and added he “didn’t feel great.”

While the initial prognosis is encouraging, he almost certainly won’t pitch for 10 days, the latest in a series of setbacks for the reeling Tigers. Detroit, which led the AL Central by seven and a half games a month ago, fell into second place on Monday night behind streaking Kansas City.

AP