Justin Verlander undergoes off-season surgery; expected to be ready for spring

DETROIT – Justin Verlander underwent successful core muscle repair surgery this morning.

The procedure was performed by Dr. Bill Meyers in Philadelphia. Verlander sustained an injury at the end of December while performing his offseason conditioning program.

He will undergo physical rehabilitation for the next six weeks and will be reevaluated at the end of that time.

"We fully anticipate Justin to participate in spring training and be in a position to compete at the beginning of the 2014 season," said Tigers President, CEO and General Manager, David Dombrowski.

Around 4 p.m. Verlander tweeted:

Thanks for the support regarding my surgery today. It went well and now my only focus is to get ready for 2014! #determined