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DETROIT -- Tigers ace Justin Verlander underwent muscle repair surgery Thursday after injuring himself last month during off-season conditioning. Bart Starr Packers Jersey . Dr. Bill Meyers in Philadelphia performed the operation on Verlander, who is expected to need six weeks of rehab before being evaluated again. The first workout for Detroits pitchers and catchers at spring training is scheduled for Feb. 14. The first spring training game is Feb. 25 against Florida Southern. "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 team did not identify the "core muscle" that was repaired, but called the surgery successful. Verlander turns 31 on Feb. 20. The Tigers said Verlander hurt himself at the end of December. There was also a message posted on Verlanders Twitter account: "Thanks for the support regarding my surgery today," it said. "It went well and now my only focus is to get ready for 2014! .determined" Verlander went 13-12 last year with a 3.46 ERA for the AL Central champions. He has been Detoits opening day starter for the last six seasons, the longest active streak by any player with one team, according to STATS. If Verlander isnt at full strength for Detroits regular-season opener against Kansas City on March 31, the Tigers do have Max Scherzer, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner. One of Verlanders biggest assets is his durability. The right-hander has thrown at least 200 innings in seven consecutive seasons. Verlanders surgery was performed by the same 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 entire 2012 season after an off-season injury. Martinez hurt his knee. Verlanders injury does not appear to be nearly as serious, but the Tigers now enter the 2014 season with two of their biggest stars coming off surgery. Nick Perry Womens Jersey . Jagr had a goal and two assists, Andy Greene scored 43 seconds into overtime and Marek Zidlicky had two goals as the Devils rallied past the Washington Capitals 5-4 Saturday night. Brett Favre Jersey . Louis still looking for a way out of Tampa Bay, the 38-year-old NHL veteran isnt showing his cards. 403 Forbidden . -- Terry Francona likened the atmosphere at Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday to a playoff game in October.DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Venus Williams won her 45th career WTA title at the Dubai Championships in an impressive 6-3, 6-0 victory over Alize Cornet of France in the final on Saturday. The 44th-ranked Williams, playing courtesy of a wild card, also won this title in 2009 and 2010. Shes won her last 15 matches in Dubai. Williams, who will move up to No. 29 in Mondays updated rankings, last won a title at the 2012 Luxembourg tournament. "I have had a good week," she said. "Everything is falling together." The former world No. 1, Williams won all five of her matches this week in straight sets. "Just a lot of match toughness, mental toughness," said Williams, when asked to explain her remarkable week of play. "When things got tough, I definitely got going this week. "If I was down break point, when push came to shove, I was pushing and shoving, I guess," she added, laughing. The scoreline didnt indicate how strong an effort Cornet put into the final, often matching Williams stroke by stroke, but falling short in the end. After Cornet squandered a 2-1 lead with a service break by losing the next four games, she was in tears during the changeover.. Packers Hats. "I think 6-3, 6-0 is a bit tough in an hour and 30, so I guess there was a battle on the court, but she was just better than me today," Cornet said. "She was playing more aggressive. "She was pushing me out of the court very far from the baseline, and I didnt play as deep as yesterday, didnt serve as well. She deserved to win." Williams closed out the first set on a third set point with a clean backhand winner. In the second set, it was Williams all the way. The 26th-ranked Cornet was attempting to post back-to-back wins over the Williams sisters. On Friday, Cornet scored her first career upset over a No. 1-ranked player by beating Serena Williams 6-4, 6-4 in the semifinals. "The difference between me and Serena was just I put a few more balls in the court," Williams said. But Cornet walked away hoping if she ever had a similar opportunity to play the Williams sisters in the same tournament the result might go in her favour. "For sure, beating the Williams sisters in the same tournament would have been amazing, and maybe next time if I have the chance (I can) do it," said Cornet, offering her only smile of the night. Cheap NFL Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Jerseys From China Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap Jerseys Cheap Jerseys ' ' '