Justin Verlander pitched four shutout innings against his own offense in a simulated game Tuesday afternoon in Oakland.
The game, considered a key step in Verlander's return from a tricep injury, saw him throw 70 pitches to various teammates, while others watched happily from the stands. David Price, scheduled to start tonight against the Athletics, tweeted after the outing:
"Vers final line for sim game...4.1 ip 3 hits (all 1bs) 1 BB 9ks 0 runs...I don't use the term domination lightly and he DOMINATED!!!"
Bryan Holaday, one of the hitters Verlander faced, was also impressed, tweeting, "Sometimes you have to tip your cap."
If Verlander doesn't have any soreness Tuesday or Wednesday, the Tigers will be closer to sending him on a minor-league rehabilition assignment. He's expected to start two or three times in the minors before rejoining the Tigers rotation.
Sim game went really well!! Felt great! But the best part about it... @DAVIDprice14 live tweeting it. Hahaha!!! ??
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) May 26, 2015
