LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) — Justin Verlander turned 32 on Friday, and perhaps no Detroit player better exemplifies the challenge the Tigers face this year.
Four seasons ago, the hard-throwing right-hander was the American League’s MVP, helping his team start a streak of division titles that’s still going. Now, Verlander is coming off one of the worst years of his career, showing signs of wear and tear while his franchise tries its best to keep its window of opportunity as a championship contender open.
This season may go a long way toward forecasting what the rest of Verlander’s career will look like — and how much longer Detroit’s run atop the AL Central will last.
