Detroit pitcher Justin Verlander cleared to resume throwing

CHICAGO (AP) Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander has been given the go-ahead to resume throwing. Verlander has been sidelined since the start of the season

CHICAGO (AP) Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander has been given the go-ahead to resume throwing.

Verlander has been sidelined since the start of the season due to a strained right triceps.

''This is a first step,'' Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said.

The club said Wednesday that Verlander was examined by Dr. Tony Romeo, who reviewed an MRI. The 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young Award winner ''was given the clearance to resume a throwing progression designed to return him to full competition.''

Verlander made about 50 throws in the outfield Wednesday before Detroit's game at the Chicago White Sox.

Ausmus said the Tigers don't have a timetable for a possible return for Verlander, who won't throw off a mound for a while. Ausmus said Verlander will be able to throw and play catch on a daily or every-other-day basis, depending on how he feels.

Verlander said Tuesday he had told Tigers trainer Kevin Rand that when he got a go-ahead, it would be hard to hold him back. Verlander told Ausmus and Tigers pitching coach Jeff Jones he felt fine after throwing Wednesday.

''We certainly want him for the rest of the season,'' said Ausmus, who said Verlander needs to start building up his arm strength from ''ground zero.''

The MRI Tuesday was Verlander's third this season.