Verlander Strong In 2nd Triple-A Rehab Start

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — Justin Verlander made a strong case Saturday that he's ready to pitch for the Detroit Tigers.

In his second rehabilitation start with Triple-A Toledo, the right-hander displayed much better command than his first time out. Verlander struck out nine without a walk, allowing an unearned run and four hits in 5 2-3 innings against the Columbus Clippers.

The 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young Award winner has been sidelined all season after leaving a March 27 spring training game with a strained right triceps.

He made his first rehab start for Toledo on Sunday at Indianapolis, giving up three runs and six hits while walking two and striking out three.

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