Tigers’ Justin Verlander is put on disabled list

Right-hander Justin Verlander officially went on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, and the Detroit Tigers called up left-hander Kyle Lobstein to take his place in the starting rotation.

Verlander has a strained right triceps. The move is retroactive to March 29.

“I think it’s going to go away, for sure,” Verlander said. “It seems like it’s been forever and we’re only on day 11 or 12 or something right now, which is not that long for a strain.”

The Tigers announced last week that Verlander would go on the DL for the first time in his career. The team initially thought Verlander might be able to start Sunday against the Cleveland Indians and it wouldn’t have to bring up a replacement starter.

“We’re extremely optimistic that he’ll make his next start,” Manager Brad Ausmus said. “Yesterday, he felt good throwing. But he was just long tossing.”

Josh Harrison, Pirates agree to $27.3-million contract

All-Star third baseman Josh Harrison and the Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to a $27.3-million, four-year contract, a deal that would be $48.3 million over six seasons if two team options are exercised.

Harrison, 27, finished second in the National League with a .315 batting average last year and was ninth in voting for most valuable player.

Tigers’ Joe Nathan is put on the DL

Tigers closer Joe Nathan is going on DL because of a strained right elbow.

Nathan struck out the only batter he faced in Detroit’s opener Monday, getting the save in a 4-0 victory over Minnesota, but General Manager Dave Dombrowski said after Wednesday’s game that a flexor problem has bothered Nathan since around the end of last week.

The Tigers will recall left-hander Blaine Hardy from triple-A Toledo for Thursday’s game against the Twins. Joakim Soria will take over as Detroit’s closer in Nathan’s absence.

Cody Ross, Athletics agree to terms on a contract

Free-agent outfielder Cody Ross has agreed to terms with the Oakland Athletics after his release last weekend by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The A’s will be responsible only for the pro-rated portion of the $507,500 league minimum. Ross was guaranteed $8.5 million this year as part of his contract with Arizona.

Cubs install portable restrooms at Wrigley Field

The Chicago Cubs installed 72 portable restroom units at Wrigley Field before Wednesday’s game with St. Louis, hoping to end the long lines experienced by many spectators at times during the season opener Sunday night.

The second-oldest stadium in the major leagues to Boston’s Fenway Park is undergoing a massive renovation. Portions of one men’s room and one women’s room on the left side of the main concourse were scheduled to be unavailable until May or June, and there was a problem Sunday in the women’s restroom on the left side of the upper deck.

The result were waits of up to an hour at some restrooms, with some fans resorting to using cups to relieve themselves.

MLB warns players about pace of game

Major League Baseball has started sending written warnings to players who have violated the new pace-of-game rules.

MLB spokesman Michael Teeven said Wednesday about 10 letters had been sent since the start of the season last weekend.

Penalties for violating the new rules include fines, which start May 1. Hitters are required to keep one foot in the batter’s box, with exceptions such as after foul balls. Pitchers in most cases are required to start innings before 30 seconds remain on the countdown clocks.