Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander is hoping to pitch in five games this spring, according to mlive.com.
Verlander is recovering after offseason muscle surgery, but is said to be way ahead of schedule. He was able to throw 20 pitches off a mound Tuesday, and said he felt fine. Verlander hopes he'll be ready for the start of the regular season. He posted a 3.46 ERA in 218 1/3 innings last season.