Justin Verlander undergoes surgery

Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander underwent surgery to repair core muscles, the team announced. The pitcher will be rehabbing for the next six weeks. 

Verlander originally tore his core muscles while conditioning this offseason, according to reports. Jon Morosi of FOX Sports notes that Verlander may not be able to make his 7th straight Opening Day start, something that he has been able to do since the 2008 season. Morosi also notes that Verlander has never spent any time on the disabled list for the past eight seasons. The Tigers hope that he will be able to participate in Spring Training. 

Verlander, 31 in February, has a career 3.41 ERA and a 1.191 WHIP in nine seasons (eight full seasons) with the Detroit Tigers. In 2013, he went 13-12 with a 3.46 ERA and a 1.315 WHIP in 34 starts.