Verlander going on DL for first time ever

Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander is headed to the disabled list for the first time in his major league career.

The Tigers said Thursday the 32-year-old righthander won't be on the active roster for Monday's opener against the Twins because of tightness in his right triceps.

He was scratched from his Thursday start and no timetable has been announced for when he will pitch again.

"I think they used the word strain," Verlander said. "It felt like just a little cramp but, obviously, with it taking a little longer to heal, it's probably a little bit more than that — just take it day by day."

Verlander has been throwing lightly in an attempt to work out the tightness.

"I don't think this is going to be a long-term issue," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. "After throwing yesterday, he said he felt as good or better today."

The Braves optioned righthanded pitcher Brandon Cunniff to Triple-A Gwinnett and added outfielder Joe Benson to the list of nonroster invitees with two days remaining in spring training.

Benson hit .239 in 21 games for the Twins in 2011.

The Mets and Juan Lagares finalized a five-year contract worth $23,553,696.

Lagares retains his $528,696 salary in the major leagues this season under a one-year deal agreed to March 6, which also includes a $25,000 bonus for winning a Gold Glove last year.

The new deal adds salaries of $2.5 million in 2016, $4.5 million in 2017, $6.5 million in 2018 and $9 million in 2019. The Mets have a $9.5 million option for 2020 with a $500,000 buyout.

• Braves pitcher Arodys Vizcaino was suspended 80 games following a positive test for the performance-enhancing substance Stanozolol.

• Yankees backup shortstop Brendan Ryan will be out into at least May because of a strained right calf.

• The Reds will put starter Homer Bailey on the 15-day disabled list. He is recovering from forearm surgery.