Tigers' Jordan Zimmermann exits with right groin strain in 6th inning

DETROIT -- Jordan Zimmermann had to be taken out of Sunday's game in the sixth inning for a right groin strain in the sixth inning. Drew VerHagen took over for him with two out and a runner on first.

Zimmermann was cruising against the Tampa Bay Rays and had given up just one hit in his last 13 batters faced.

After delivering a pitch to Steve Pearce, though, he suddenly grimaced and motioned to his groin, prompting Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus and head athletic trainer Kevin Rand to pay a visit.

Not long after, Zimmermann exited the game with Rand, and VerHagen was called on to take over on short notice. Zimmermann had just given up an infield single to Evan Longoria after retiring 12 consecutive batters.

Zimmermann's day ended abruptly, having pitched 5 2/3 innings, giving up two runs on five hits, issuing no walks, and striking out five. The runs allowed came on a two-run home run by Logan Morrison in the second. His single to Pearce did not come around to score.