Justin Verlander leaves Friday’s game with cramp

Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander looked better in his start on Friday versus the Toronto Blue Jays despite allowing another home run in the second inning to Toronto center fielder Dalton Pompey.

But then Detroit’s worse nightmare came to reality.

Verlander left in the third inning after covering first base on a ground ball to the right side of the infield.

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Chris Iott of MLive.com reports Detroit might be able to exhale as Verlander left due to a cramp in his right triceps muscle. The Tigers staff said they do not expect Verlander to miss his next start.

He is expected to make one more start in Spring Training before the beginning of the regular season.

Left-hander Kyle Ryan replaced Verlander, who finish with two 2/3 innings pitched, allowing one run on one hit, two strikeouts and one walk.

Detroit trails Toronto, 4-1, in the bottom of the fifth. The game is now in a rain delay.

Check back on Motor City Bengals for further updates on Verlander and a game recap this afternoon.

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