Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander underwent muscle repair surgery Thursday after injuring himself last month during offseason conditioning.
Dr. Bill Meyers performed the operation in Philadelphia, and Verlander is expected to need six weeks of rehab before being evaluated again.
"We fully anticipate Justin to participate in spring training and be in a position to compete at the beginning of the 2014 season," general manager Dave Dombrowski said in a statement.
The first workout for Detroit's pitchers and catchers at spring training is scheduled for Feb. 14. The first spring training game is Feb. 25 against Florida Southern College.
The team did not identify the "core muscle" that was repaired but called the surgery successful.
The Tigers said Verlander, who will be 31 on Feb. 20, injured himself at the end of December.
On Thursday, Verlander posted this message on his Twitter account:
Thanks for the support regarding my surgery today. It went well and now my only focus is to get ready for 2014! #determined
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) January 9, 2014
Verlander went 13-12 last year with a 3.46 ERA for the American League Central champions. He has been Detroit's Opening Day starter the past six seasons, the longest active streak by any player with one team, according to STATS. If Verlander isn't at full strength for Detroit's regular-season opener against Kansas City on March 31, the Tigers can go with Max Scherzer, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner.
One of Verlander's biggest assets is his durability. The right-hander has pitched at least 200 innings in seven consecutive seasons.
Verlander's surgery was performed by the doctor who operated on Detroit teammate Miguel Cabrera after the slugger was limited down the stretch last season by a tear in his groin.
Two years ago, the Tigers lost designated hitter Victor Martinez for the 2012 season after an offseason knee injury. Verlander's injury does not appear to be nearly as serious, but the Tigers will enter the 2014 season with two of their biggest stars coming off surgery.