Tigers hoping for a healthy Zimmermann in 2017

DETROIT — The Tigers are having a very quiet offseason on the pitching front. But they could have a big addition this spring if Jordan Zimmermann can report to Spring Training feeling like his old self.

It’s far from certain, given the neck and back issues that derailed Zimmermann’s first season in Detroit. Six weeks out, the signs are encouraging.

General manager Al Avila mentioned at last month’s Winter Meetings that Zimmermann received an injection in his neck designed to address the lingering pain that sidelined him for most of the final four months last season. He received the second and final planned injection recently and has been working out.

“It’s not that there was an issue. It was planned as part of therapy,” manager Brad Ausmus said at the time.

Zimmermann feels strong enough that he is long-tossing, Avila said in an email Wednesday.

“He is [throwing] at 180 feet, doing great,” Avila said.

At this point, the 30-year-old right-hander is expected to be ready to go when pitchers and catchers report to the Tigers’ renovated Spring Training complex in mid-February. How he looks when he arrives will likely have a major impact on the kind of team the Tigers bring north for Opening …

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