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Detroit Tigers: Justin Verlander throws, Ian Kinsler hot, Steven Moya cold

By Matt Pelc

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Apr 26, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman

Ian Kinsler

(3) slides into third base in the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

After not befuddling fans and media over not getting an MRI on his arm, Justin Verlander is about to get his third MRI in about 10 days next week in Chicago.

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This is more a “show me” MRI to see if the fluid that has been present has dissipated. Verlander threw a bit the last couple days and has been feeling very good. With any luck J.V. could be on his way to getting back in throwing shape–though we won’t presume to judge nor jinx anything here at Motor City Bengals.

The Detroit Tigers are receiving a hot start from second baseman Ian Kinsler, but that should not be surprising

The veteran who spent his entire career with the Texas Rangers prior to last year always seems to start hot, but limp to the finish–as we were painfully aware of late last year. His defense is always there, but the Tigers will be a much better team in the second half if Kinsler can stay hot.

Over in the minor leagues, Steven Moya continues to struggle after coming back from injury. The Tigers really need him to solve his issues. After a great 2014 in AA, they are hoping he can step up and be ready to contribute at a big league level next year. Thus far he is struggling against more big league-like pitching and it’s magnified a bit when Devon Travis, the former top prospect in the Tigers systems is doing so well in his rookie year over in Toronto.

Finally, Joe Nathan attempts to move forward with his recovery and try to begin his efforts to come back from his second Tommy John surgery in five years.

Justin Verlander cleared to throw light toss again, will undergo third MRI in Chicago – James Schmehl, MLive

"“What they’re looking for is the fluid in the area where the problem was,” Ausmus said. “Because in this area, you may feel pain-free and not realize there’s still fluid in the area until you get to that last step.”It’ll mark the third MRI exam in less than three weeks for Verlander, who had an MRI on April 16, one day after he had a simulated game in Pittsburgh cut short. He had a second MRI on April 24 that showed improvement, but fluid was still visible."

Detroit Tigers Getting Another Strong Start From Ian Kinsler – Brad Faber, Rant Sports

"Even though Kinsler was twice a 30-30 man in Texas, no one was really expecting him to replace the 25 home runs and 106 RBIs that Fielder provided, but he was still tasked with taking the place of another pretty good second baseman in Omar Infante. Of course, Infante hit .318/.345/.450 for Detroit in 2013 and signed a reported four-year, $30.25 million deal with the Kansas City Royals shortly after the Tigers acquired Kinsler.In the first half of last season, Kinsler was everything Tigers fans were hoping for and then some, earning a spot on the AL All-Star team for his efforts. Despite a bit of a second-half swoon, Kinsler still ended his season batting a solid .275/.307/.420 with 17 home runs and 92 RBIs. He was also fantastic with the glove, posting a 13.0 UZR, which ranked second among all qualified second basemen in MLB."

Inside the minors: Steven Moya off to slow start in Toledo; SeaWolves on nine-game losing streak – James Schmehl, MLive

"OF Steven Moya, who was transferred from Single A Lakeland last week, has just three hits — all singles — in his first five games in Toledo. He’s struck out in nine of his first 20 at-bats. … RHP Thad Weber (2-2, 7.78 ERA) was tagged for seven runs and eight hits in 2 2/3 innings Wednesday. … LHP Mike Belfiore (0-3, 7.04 ERA) has given up four earned runs and failed to pitch six or more innings in each of his first three starts. … The Mud Hens have won just two of their last eight to drop from first place to third in the West Division."

Nathan undergoes Tommy John surgery, begins rehab – Jason Beck, MLB.com

"The surgery came exactly a week after Nathan left his rehab appearance at Triple-A Toledo with a severe elbow injury, later revealed to be tears of the ulnar collateral ligament and the flexor pronator. The surgery ended his 2015 season after four pitches, a one-out save on Opening Day against the Twins. At age 40, Nathan’s career is also in serious question, but he said he will rehab with the intention of a comeback attempt.Given the procedure, Nathan said he’s unlikely to pick up a ball for eight months, which puts the start of next season likely out of range for him. Still, he wants to give it a shot. Most likely, Nathan will be able to pick his spot as a free agent, as his two-year contract with the Tigers will expire after this season. Detroit holds a $10 million option for 2016, which it can buy out for $1 million."

Next: What to expect from Simon headed forward

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