Justin Verlander's day at Comerica Park was short.
It was littered with control issues and foul balls, a couple of runs and the most ominous sign of all: Mound visits from Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus and head trainer Kevin Rand.
Verlander didn't look like his normal self. And after the second check-in by Ausmus and Rand, he left Sunday's start against the Chicago White Sox with an apparent injury.
The team announced Verlander was removed "for precautionary reasons with a tight right groin."
The Tigers won on Justin Upton's walk-off home run, 7-4.
After the game, Ausmus said Verlander will undergo an MRI test. As of now, he's expected to make his next start, Ausmus said.
Verlander threw 39 pitches in the first inning and 27 pitches in the second inning.
After the first mound visit, he was throwing in the mid-90 mph range. To start the second inning, he was throwing with significantly less velocity.
Verlander allowed two runs on six hits. He couldn't finish hitters, allowing 20 foul balls and 12 with two strikes. He surrendered a lead-off home run to Todd Frazier in the third inning and was pulled after walking Yolmer Sanchez.
Verlander struck out three and walked three over 72 pitches.
