Justin Verlander pain free but fatigued during simulated game

Justin Verlander is in unfamiliar territory as he attempts to work through a triceps strain.

The injury, which Verlander suffered late in spring training. caused the 32-year-old right-hander to land on the disabled list for the first time in his 10-year MLB career. It also raised some red flags about the short term and long term prospects of Detroit’s dominant and durable leader, who some believed might be due for a breakdown after eight straight seasons of well over 200 innings pitched.

Breath easy, Tigers fans. At least for now. It’s believed that Wednesday’s simulated game at PNC Park in Pittsburgh signifies a step in the right direction for Verlander’s recovery, despite the fact his session was cut short by fatigue in his right shoulder.

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Verlander’s glorified throwing session was expected to last four innings at around 15 pitches per frame. However, Verlander cut if off after just three innings and around 45 pitches.

What’s more important, however, and what should be most encouraging to Tigers fans, is that Verlander reported no discomfort in his arm. That means he’ll be allowed to move forward with his rehab program, rather than shut him down or advised to back off.

“It fatigued a little quicker than I would have liked,” he said. “But I didn’t feel any pain or grabbing in the spot where the injury occurred, so that was a big positive. It’s been, I don’t know, 20 days and the most I’ve thrown is a bullpen.

“The bullpen went pretty well. I got out into the game and just felt a little bit fatigued after the first inning. But all in all, in talking to the trainers, it should be a big positive step.”

What the shoulder fatigue almost certainly indicates is that Verlander will need a few more throwing sessions to build his arm strength back up.

That may end up pushing his return closer to May than Monday, which is the day Verlander was eligible to come off the DL, but the Tigers would certainly prefer that slight delay to an injury related setback that could linger throughout the season. Especially considering the 8-1 start they’ve been able to get off to without him.

Understandably, some fans won’t be at ease again until they see Verlander on the mound pounding the strike zone with a mid-90s fastball. That’s the nature of the game these days, with elbow injuries seemingly popping up at every turn. But until Velander shows concern, there’s no reason to lose sleep in Michigan.

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813

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