Detroit Tiger’s Ace Justin Verlander underwent abdominal surgery on Thursday, repairing an existing condition dating back until at least December.
Verlander, considered by many to be one of the most durable pitchers in Major League Baseball, will be reevaluated in late February, coinciding with the first week of the Tiger’s full squad workouts in the spring. Barring any setbacks, Verlander will be on schedule for Opening Day.
Tigers General Manager Dave Dombrowski had this to say about his ace’s timetable- “We fully anticipate Justin to participate in Spring Training and be in a position to compete at the beginning of the 2014 season.”
The the core muscle operation was performed by Dr. Bill Meyers in Philadelphia. Verlander, will turn 31 in February, will undergo six weeks of rehabilitation before being assessed again.
“This was not an acute injury that just happened all of a sudden,” Dombrowski said. “It’s one of those that has been a build up. So throughout the years this is something that was wearing down for him. I can’t even say how much it’s bothered him, because I’ve never really heard him say that before.
“But, it’s been there in the past. It’s not something that just, boom, happened. But the doctor, when he looked at it, he said it was a build up.”
Verlander is coming off a sub-par season for him in 2013. He made 34 starts, compiling a 13-12 record and an ERA of 3.46. His career numbers a far more impressive- 137-77 , 1772 innings, and a 3.41 ERA. Verlander also has 20 complete games to his credit.