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Justin Verlander pitched a live batting practice session off the mound Monday. He threw 48 pitches and told reporters he's feeling great.
While throwing off the mound reporters said he could be heard verbally judging his pitches and being hard on himself, a true sign he's back into the swing of things.
Even when he slipped delivering a curveball, Verlander said he didn't feel anything, a positive sign that the surgery is no longer something he needs to think about.
He will throw another live BP and if things progress with no issues, Verlander will pitch in a spring training game. What that game will be has yet to be determined.
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Brad Ausmus released the full lineup Monday for the Grapefruit League's first game of spring training.
Leading off will be Ian Kinsler, followed by Hunter, Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, Austin Jackson, Andy Dirks, James McCann, and Nick Castellanos. Jose Iglesias will round out the batting order in the number nine spot.
Drew VerHagen will be the starting pitcher followed by new Tigers acquisition Robbie Ray.
The defensive alignment will be Kinsler 4, Hunter 9, Cabrera 3, Martinez DH, Jackson 8, Dirks 7, McCann 2, Castellanos 5, Iglesias 6.
The Detroit Tigers will be playing at Joker Marchant Stadium against Southern Florida and the game is set to begin at 1:05pm EST.