Justin Verlander Lands on DL for 1st Time in Career, 2015 Off To Fitting Start for the Tigers

Justin Verlander, the former Cy Young and MVP winner, is set to open the 2015 season on the disabled list. This is the first time the 32-year-old has gone to the DL in his 10 year career. Verlander left a Spring Training game last week with a cramp in his triceps that necessitated the move.

Writing this as a Tigers fans this is awfully conflicting news. For one, Verlander was subpar in 2014, posting a 4.54 ERA and allowing a league-high 104 earned runs. As crazy as it sounds, Verlander not pitching at the start of April isn’t necessarily the worst development in the world.

Oh right, Verlander is owed $28 million person season through 2019.

/chokes back bile.

And the Tigers in the span of a season have gone from an opening day rotation of Max Scherzer, Anibal Sanchez, Verlander, Rick Porcello and Drew Smyly to David Price, Sanchez, Verlander, Alfredo Simon and Shane Greene.

/wipes away tear

Anyways, a tip of the cap to White Sox, Twins, Royals and Indians fans. The AL Central division title is yours for the taking for the first time in five years.

Meanwhile, I’ll pour one out for you, Justin.

Consider this your 2015 Detroit Tigers theme music.