Tigers manager Brad Ausmus indicated Tuesday starting pitcher Justin Verlander might start the year on the disabled list after leaving his last spring start due to a right triceps cramp.

"If we have to use it, we could," Ausmus said of placing Verlander on the disabled list, per MLive.com.

Verlander won't appear in another Grapefruit League game, but he could throw in a minor-league game Friday.

Although, if Verlander can't pitch Friday, then a disabled list stint could be coming. The Tigers would then backdate his time on the DL, meaning he could be available to make his season debut at the earliest April 12 at Cleveland.

"He says he feels a little bit better (Tuesday)," Ausmus said. "We'll see how he feels (Wednesday)."

There is no indication of a potential rotation replacement, if Verlander has to miss significant time. Verlander went 1-1 with a 5.63 ERA in five spring starts.