Soreness lingering for Justin Verlander, Triple-A discussed for Bruce Rondon

After being pulled from his start against the Toronto Blue Jays for a triceps cramp, Justin Verlander is still experiencing soreness. Verlander said he is not worried about missing his next start, nor does he expect it to be a long-term issues.

The soreness may be a strain, but even if it is the Detroit Tigers and Verlander aren't concerned about it. Which is to say they'll take it one day at a time but they don't expect it to be an issue.

"We kind of all assumed I'd be sore today," Verlander told MLB.com's Jason Beck. "It's really (a question of) how it bounces back in the next couple days. That'll tell us a lot more about the injury, I guess, whether it's a mild strain or whether it was just a cramp.

"Either way, even if it was just a very mild strain, it's still like I said, very mild. It's nothing that would hold me out for an extended period of time."

No MRI was performed and Verlander said he does not expect one to be necessary. His next start isn't until April 2, a Thursday, which would be his last start of spring training.

The Tigers are also discussing placing Bruce Rondon in Triple-A Toledo to begin the season, but no decision has been made just yet. Initially, Rondon was expected to be all but a lock for the bullpen.

Manager Brad Ausmus said at the start of spring training that he didn't anticipate Rondon needing to start in the minor leagues as long as certain conditions were met.

With spring winding down, Ausmus admitted to the benefit of starting Rondon in Triple-A, for more than one reason. Rondon's experience with pitching at the major league level is limited to just 28 2/3 innings, and he hasn't pitched in a regular season game since September 24, 2013.

"We've been discussing it quite a bit," Ausmus told The Detroit News' Chris McCosky. "I do think you have to keep in mind he hasn't pitched in a game in a long time. Whether he makes the team or not, whether we think he needs more development, the important thing is his strength is there, his arm strength is there.

"In the long term, and in the near term, you would think he's going to have some impact on the Detroit Tigers, in a positive fashion."

So far this spring, Rondon has allowed 10 hits, four runs (all earned), two home runs, two walks, and struck out six in 6 1/3 innings pitched.