Justin Verlander Leaves Start vs. White Sox with Groin Injury

Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander left Sunday's game against the Chicago White Sox in the third inning with right groin tightness, according to the Detroit Free Press' Anthony Fenech.

After the game, Tigers manager Brad Ausmus told reporters Verlander isn't expected to miss his next scheduled start.

Verlander was previously bothered by a triceps injury that delayed his debut in 2015, but he's rebounded and been largely healthy ever since.

In 34 starts a season ago, Verlander went 16-9 with a 3.04 ERA, 1.001 WHIP and an American League-best 254 strikeouts.

Through 11 appearances entering Sunday, Verlander had gone 4-4 with an underwhelming 4.50 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 8.3 strikeouts per nine innings.

And while he may not have the stellar stuff that made him the 2011 American League MVP, Verlander still wields an impressive four-pitch arsenal that's anchored by his sterling fastball.

According to FanGraphs.com, Verlander's heater still averages 95 mph, while his slider, curveball and changeup have all remained effective off-speed weapons.