Detroit Tigers announce Justin Verlander cleared to throw

Justin Verlander may have given a spoiler alert about his status earlier in the day when he tweeted this out:

This afternoon the Detroit Tigers confirmed Verlander’s proclamation by announcing the results of the third MRI the former MVP and Cy Young winner has underwent since suffering what was described as a “cramp” in last March.

There has been no timetable for throwing and no schedule announced. For instance will Verlander resume throwing bullpen sessions and simulated games to get back into game shape? Will he make a star-studded trip through the minor leagues with a couple of starts in Lakeland, Erie or Toledo? All are possibilities.

No matter the path, it is clear Verlander won’t be back on the mound for the Detroit Tigers tomorrow, next week or even two weeks from now.

While this seems to be a good sign for Justin Verlander and the Tigers, the team had really held him back from throwing because every time he does throw in some capacity he receives some sort of numbness, fatigue or soreness.

It’s been a crazy week for Verlander. A few days ago he hit out at social media “haters” who took issue with him send tweets and Instagram photos of his daily life while unable to pitch.

Fans and media were sharply divided on Verlander’s message, but we all know social media can be a toxic place. I find it hard to believe anyone would have a problem with someone taking a harmless shot at the trolls that reside on the internet.

Despite that, Verlander appears ready to get his season started. After never missing a start and never being a member of the disabled list, he has not been stuck on the sidelines for the first month of the season.  According to Jason Beck, Verlander is “itching” to go.

"“I told [head athletic trainer] Kevin [Rand] if I get that green light, man, it’s going to be hard to hold me back. I’m ready to go.”"

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