Justin Verlander throws off mound Monday; rehab progressing very well

Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

It’s good news to be having Spring Training news already out of Lakeland. It’s also good news to be having good news coming out of Lakeland, at least where it concerns Detroit Tigers’ injured star pitcher, Justin Verlander.

Justin Verlander threw 20 pitches off a mound Monday. Said it went very well. He feels good.
— Chris Iott (@Chris_Iott) February 11, 2014

MLive’s Chris Iott, and other beat writers on scene, talked with Verlander directly for the first time about the injury and the ongoing recovery and rehabilitation process.

Currently, JV and pitching coach Jeff Jones have a plan which will tentatively see him appear in five Spring Training games with the ultimate goal of being ready when the regular season starts on March 31.

For the first time, we have an idea of what caused the injury.

Verlander suffered the injury doing squats. Thought it was a mild muscle strain. Went on vacation. Had MRI a couple weeks after the injury.
— Chris Iott (@Chris_Iott) February 11, 2014

Verlander had an MRI after an injury to the left side of his groin. MRI showed damage on both sides. Had surgery on both sides.
— Chris Iott (@Chris_Iott) February 11, 2014

No matter how he suffered the injury, its encouraging to Tigers’ fans that he does seem on track to be around on Opening Day, if not get the start.

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