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Usually when a player is traded away midseason, they bid farewell to their old team and think nothing more of it. It seems, however, Justin Verlander is a little sad not to be reporting to Lakeland, because he didn’t miss the opportunity to remind fans and players alike that he would be absent.
When Detroit Free Press beat writer Anthony Fenech tweeted the below observation, he likely had no idea what he was about to set in motion.
Tigers pitchers and catchers have reported to spring training but I still haven’t seen Justin Verlander. Will ask.
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) February 13, 2018
A few hours later, Verlander replied.
Anyone got #35?? https://t.co/dBKzZpiUVS
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) February 13, 2018
Some of the Tigers pitching staff, on a break from their first day of training, couldn’t resist adding their own responses to Verlander’s query.
I may or may not have asked for a number change..... https://t.co/PeUOw7OfQv
— Michael Fulmer (@MFulmer12) February 13, 2018
#kidding https://t.co/JzJknRkYEa
— Michael Fulmer (@MFulmer12) February 13, 2018
While Fulmer was all about the jokes, Daniel Norris was all of us.
Can you just keep to yourself please? It's hard enough as it is. https://t.co/6zrj7h6HMA
— Daniel Norris (@DanielNorris18) February 13, 2018
Why do you have to hurt us like this, Justin?