Tigers star pitcher Justin Verlander underwent an MRI on Tuesday that showed no structural damage in his throwing shoulder, according to MLB.com's Jason Beck. Verlander is expected to miss only one start.
MLB roundup: Justin Verlander could miss only one start, George Springer suffers setback
The Tigers’ six-time All-Star doesn’t have significant damage in his throwing shoulder.
Justin K. Aller
The 31-year-old right-hander left after just one inning in the Tigers' 11-6 loss to the Pirates on Monday. In what was the shortest outing of his career, Verlander allowed five runs -- four earned -- on four hits and two walks and topped out at 90 mph with his fastball, according to ESPN's Buster Olney. So, while there might not be any significant damage in his right shoulder, it appears there is still something awry with the six-time American League All-Star.
The MRI indicated “normal wear and tear” in Verlander’s throwing arm, Tigers head athletic trainer Kevin Rand told Beck. Verlander led the league in innings pitched in three out of four seasons from 2009 through 2012 and has not pitched fewer than 200 frames in a season since his rookie year in 2006.
Verlander owns a 4.76 ERA, his worst mark since 2008, and has allowed a league-leading 171 hits while posting the second-worst strikeout and walk rates of his career.
Springer suffers setback
Astros rookie George Springer recently aggravated a left quad strain and will be out for at least two more weeks, per MLB.com's Brian McTaggart.
Springer, who has not played in the big leagues since July 19, doubled and walked three times in seven plate appearances in a rehab assignment at Low-A Quad Cities before suffering the injury. He’ll be kept out of action during the Astros’ upcoming 10-game road trip and will be reevaluated sometime afterward.
The 24-year-old outfielder is hitting .231/.336/.468 with 20 home runs in 345 major league plate appearances. Prior to being promoted by the Astros on April 16, Springer hit .353/..459/.647 in 61 plate appearances in Triple-A.
Taylor homers in debut
Nationals outfielder Michael Taylor singled in his first big league plate appearance on Tuesday and one-upped himself later in the evening by doing this:
Taylor's first career home run was one of three long balls in the inning for the Nationals, who cruised to a 7-1 win over the Mets.
Boesch changes number
The Angels recalled outfielder Brennan Boesch prior to their game on Tuesday, but not before he requested a change from the unconventional number he wore during his first stint with the team in April:
Brennan Boesch said he switched from #00 to #28 because he was tired of answering questions about #00. #Angels
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) August 12, 2014 Tuesday scores
Pirates 4, Tigers 2
Red Sox 3, Reds 2
Dodgers 4, Braves 2
Marlins 3, Cardinals 0
Nationals 7, Mets 1
Cubs 3, Brewers 0
Rangers 3, Rays 2 (14)
Astros 10, Twins 4
Athletics 11, Royals 4
Angels 7, Phillies 2
Padres 4, Rockies 1
Mariners 6, Blue Jays 3
White Sox 3, Giants 2 (10)
Indians at Diamondbacks, postponed
Yankees at Orioles, postponed
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