Tigers starter Justin Verlander left Sunday's final start before the All-Star break against the Rangers after seven innings with a tight right quad muscle, MLB.com reports. Prior to getting injured, Verlander was flirting with a no-hitter.
The Detroit starter gave up just one hit to Mitch Moreland in the top of the seventh inning before getting removed. He walked three batters and struck out three as he went 105 pitches. Verlander had a 5-0 lead at the time of his departure and would stand to win and improve to 10-6 on the season should the Tigers keep the lead and win the game.
Verlander rebounded from allowing five runs in a loss to the White Sox his last time out. He made the All-Star team but will not pitch in the game. Verlander is scheduled to make his first start of the second half of the season on Saturday at Kansas City. Manager Jim Leyland will give the ball to Anibal Sanchez to open the second half and Verlander will follow him to the hill before Doug Fister finishes the series Sunday.