Justin Verlander Injury: Updates on Tigers Star's Abdomen and Recovery

Updates from Monday, Mar. 17

James Schmehl of MLive.com confirms who will pitch the first game of the season for the Tigers:

Sports researcher James Smyth reported historical context:

Updates from Sunday, Mar. 2

James Schmehl of MLive.com has the latest on Justin Verlander's rehab:

Updates from Wednesday, Feb. 19

Jason Beck of MLB.com has the latest on Justin Verlander's recovery:

"

Verlander reportedly came through the bullpen session feeling fine. He felt well enough to top his pitch count again, throwing 54 pitches after being scheduled for 45-50.

"He felt good," manager Brad Ausmus said. "[Pitching coach] Jeff Jones said he looked good."

Verlander was a limited participant in fielding drills later Tuesday morning.

"He has [been] for a couple days," Ausmus said. "I kind of forced him out of it yesterday just because of an abundance of caution."

"

Verlander later spoke to Matthew B. Mowery of The Oakland Press about his status:

Updates from Sunday, Feb. 16

James Schmehl of MLive.com reports Justin Verlander is participating in training drills:

Updates from Tuesday, Feb. 11

Chris Iott of MLive.com has the latest on Justin Verlander's recovery from surgery:

Updates from Thursday, Jan. 30

MLB Network Radio provides a statement from Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski discussing Justin Verlander's recovery:

Updates from Saturday, Jan. 25

Matthew Mowery of The Oakland Press provides a statement from Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski discussing Justin Verlander's recovery:

"

“Well, I’m not worried about Justin. He’s determined, a hard worker. These guys that are hard workers, that get surgery done, that are in the prime of their career, that are driven, they usually do pretty well in these cases,” Dombrowski said.

“But you also want to be careful that you don’t rush him. I don’t want to rush him. I want him to follow what the doctor says. That’s why I said, if he misses a start, great — do I think he’ll miss a start? No. I don’t. He’s going to throw Monday. It’s not even February yet, and he’s starting to play catch Monday.”

"

Mowery also provided a statement from Dombrowski discussing Verlander being available for Opening Day:

"

“You know if Justin’s healthy, he’s going to be one of your four. We’ll just wait and see how it happens,” Dombrowski said. “Basically the doctor has been the one that’s been guiding him, and allowing him to do what he wants to do so far. But that’s why I keep saying, I’m not trying to push him to be ready. We just want him follow what he’s supposed to do, and if that gets him ready to start the season on time — which I think it will — great. But I don’t want it to be some huge thing. That’s why I said, ‘Let’s see what happens.’ I’d be surprised if he’s not ready at this point, from everything I hear.

“I mean, he’s starting to throw already.”

"

Updates from Friday, Jan. 24

According to Matt Snyder of CBS Sports, Verlander could miss the start of the 2014 season: 

"

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander had to undergo core muscle surgery. The thought was that he'd be ready for the beginning of the 2014 season and that's still possible. General manager Dave Dombrowski has, however, left open the possibility that Verlander may need to miss a start or more.

"He's doing great," Dombrowski said (MLB.com). "I'm not concerned for him being out an extended period. If he misses any time of the season, it would only be a very short time period. I'm not ready to say that he will. But he's doing very well."

"

---Original Text---

Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander is in the recovery process this MLB offseason after undergoing surgery on his abdomen on Thursday, Jan. 9. The team's official Twitter account shared the news:

Verlander reportedly suffered the injury while working out in December, according to team officials via Tigers reporter James Schmehl on Twitter:

The 30-year-old pitcher is coming off his fifth consecutive All-Star season in Detroit and is heading into his 10th season with the Tigers in 2014.    

Fortunately, Verlander appears set for a return to the mound this spring:

As for how much time he may miss, Will Carroll of Bleacher Report believes that Verlander shouldn't miss significant time and should only be slightly behind in spring training:

As Fox Sports' Jon Morosi points out, Verlander has been among the most durable pitchers in all of baseball over the past decade. However, one of his proud streaks could come to an end if he's not healthy come March 31:

Still, it's unlikely that Detroit will rush Verlander back this offseason. 

The 2011 American League MVP and Cy Young Award winner means too much to the franchise. Not to mention he's heading into the second year of a seven-year, $180 million contract, according to Spotrac.com.