This weekend was supposed to mark Justin Verlander’s start as a Tiger in Detroit in nearly a decade. However, that occasion has been delayed, as a hamstring injury has sidelined Verlander days before his expected return from the injured list.
Witt Jr. diagnosed with MCL strain
The Royals indicated that shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was diagnosed with a Grade 1 MCL strain, one day after he was removed due to a knee injury.
Matt Quatraro, the Royals’ manager, noted that the team will wait to see the next step for Witt Jr. He was not placed on the IL as of yet (h/t MLB.com).
Guerrero Jr. removed
The Blue Jays removed Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on June 19 with back tightness.
Manager John Schneider indicated after the game that Guerrero Jr. is fine and is expected to play on June 20 against the Cubs.
That wasn’t the only injury-related news for the Jays. Ernie Clement was withheld from the team’s lineup with hip soreness.
Verlander scratched, out for weeks
Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander, who made one start to this point, was scratched from his previously scheduled start with a hamstring injury. Verlander has been on the IL since early April due to a hip injury and just completed a rehab assignment.
He is expected to miss several weeks, delaying his return to the mound at Comerica Park.
IL moves
Tigers utilityman Wenceel Perez, who suffered an injury while exercising with a resistance band, went on the IL with an orbital bone fracture in his face.
The Diamondbacks placed pitcher Ryne Nelson on the 15-day IL with a UCL strain.
Rangers outfielder Michael Helman was transferred to the 60-day IL.
Rehab assignments
Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz went 2-2 with a home run and a walk for Triple-A Louisville.
The Mets had two rehabbers with Double-A Binghamton. Francisco Lindor started his rehab assignment and went 1-4 with a run scored and a strikeout. Tyrone Taylor, meanwhile, went 2-3 with a home run.
Other notes
Adley Rutschman (head), Michael Harris II (back), Bryan Reynolds (groin), and Maikel Garcia (hand) did not start for their respective teams. Reynolds came in against the Rockies as a pinch-hitter.
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