Two significant injuries hit the American League on Friday. Detroit Tigers veteran right-hander Justin Verlander strained his left hamstring during a bullpen session, and Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was scratched from the lineup with a Grade 1 MCL sprain.
According to ESPN, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Verlander will likely be out for weeks. The injury happened during a bullpen session, not in a game, which makes the timing unusual. Verlander was working his way through the session when the hamstring gave way.
Witt Jr.'s situation developed ahead of Friday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Grade 1 designation is the least severe MCL sprain classification, but it was enough to keep the Royals shortstop out of the lineup. No timetable for his return was immediately available.
Witt Jr. has been one of the most productive players in the American League this season. His absence, even for a short period, is a notable loss for a Kansas City team in the middle of a competitive division race.
Verlander, at 43, has continued pitching for Detroit as the team tries to build around its younger core. A multi-week absence removes him from a rotation that has relied on his veteran presence.
