LAKELAND, Fla. - Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander is headed to the disabled list for the first time in his major-league career.
The Tigers said Thursday the 32-year-old right-hander won't be on the active roster for Monday's opener against Minnesota because of tightness in his right triceps. He was scratched from his Thursday start and no timetable has been announced for when he will pitch again.
"I think they used the word "strain,'" Verlander said. "It felt like just a little cramp but, obviously, with it taking a little longer to heal, it's probably a little bit more than that - just take it day by day."
Verlander has been throwing lightly in an attempt to work out the tightness.
"I don't think this is going to be a long-term issue," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. "After throwing yesterday, he said he felt as good or better today."
Detroit will make his DL stint retroactive, making it possible the six-time All-Star could start the sixth game of the season, on April 12 at Cleveland.
Verlander has started 30 or more games in each of the last nine seasons.
Verlander is 28-24 in two seasons since starting a $180-million, seven-year contract, slowed by core muscle surgery before the 2014 season. Winner of the 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young Awards, Verlander was 124-65 before the deal.