Injury Updates: Machado to DL, Verlander gets MRI results

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Verlander only made it through a single inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates Monday night before having to be pulled from the game with shoulder soreness. As we have seen many time throughout the year shoulder and elbow soreness in pitchers is taken extremely seriously because in most cases it results in the pitcher needing Tommy John surgery.

So far, so good for Verlander who’s MRI results just showed inflammation, most likely caused by normal wear and tear. Verlander is a 31-year old, 10-year veteran of the league so it’s not outlandish to believe that is all the soreness is. The MRI did not show an ligament damage which is what inevitably ends up having to be surgically repaired. Tigers’ manager Brad Ausmus said Tuesday,

"“It was definitely good news. Any time you’re talking about a pitcher and his arm, it’s a very fragile area to be talking about. It was certainly a ray of light in a stormy sky.”"

Ausmus also said Verlander will probably not be making his next start scheduled for Saturday but that it was unlikely he would miss more than that, meaning it doesn’t look as though he will need a stint on the disabled list. Robbie Ray, who was scheduled to start Tuesday’s game will likely start in Verlander’s place on Saturday.

"“I don’t think it would be in Justin’s best interests (to pitch),” Ausmus said. “I imagine a little bit of rest would be part of the prescription.”"