Verlander, Rondon headed in opposite directions with rehabs

CLEVELAND -- While Justin Verlander works his way back in his throwing program, Bruce Rondon is taking a break in his. He had been playing catch without discomfort, but he will spend the weekend getting treatment in hopes of resuming his program next week.

Rondon went on the 15-day disabled list a week ago with biceps tendinitis. An MRI taken at the time showed no structural damage, but the soreness has lingered. Tigers head athletic trainer Kevin Rand said Saturday that Rondon will be treated this weekend.

Rondon won't throw unless he's free of soreness.

As for Verlander, he's on track to throw a full bullpen session Sunday morning after saying he felt fine Saturday. Verlander threw 30 pitches off of the bullpen mound at Progressive Field on Friday, mixing in everything but curveballs.

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus wouldn't discuss a next step with Verlander, saying he has to make sure he feels fine after Sunday's session first. He has said previously, though, that Verlander will have to face hitters in a simulated game before being cleared to return from the disabled list. The question is whether Verlander would need multiple bullpen sessions before facing hitters, which could affect whether he throws a simulated game in Pittsburgh or waits until the Tigers are back home next weekend.