Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander has been scratched from his scheduled Grapefruit League start on Thursday due to groin discomfort.
Tigers manager Dusty Baker said Verlander will throw a simulated game on Thursday instead. The 2019 American League Cy Young Award should be fine for Opening Day.
Verlander recorded a 2.58 ERA and 0.80 WHIP with 300 strikeouts and 42 walks over 223 innings last season. He went 21-6 in 34 starts.
Source: Chandler Rome, Houston Chronicle