INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Detroit Tigers star Justin Verlander struggled in his first rehabilitation start, giving up three runs in 2 2-3 innings for Triple-A Toledo on Sunday.
The former American League MVP and Cy Young winner is trying to work his way back into the Tigers’ rotation from a right triceps injury he sustained in spring training.
The Tigers have not announced whether Verlander will continue his rehab or now join the major league team.
“This whole time has been step-by-step, day-by-day, so I think the first thing is to see how I respond to pitching today and how I feel the next couple of days,” Verlander said. “The hardest part is not being out there with my teammates.”
Verlander gave up six hits, walked two and struck out three for the Mud Hens against Indianapolis, Pittsburgh’s top minor league club.