Verlander, Upton hang with penguins at zoo

Justin Verlander enjoyed a welcome reprieve Thursday from an eventful week in Tiger land - a week that included both a suspension for his manager and a milestone performance from the former Cy Young winner.

Verlander, who notched the 2,000th strikeout of his career Wednesday while helping Detroit extend its modest winning streak to four games, spent his off-day visiting the local zoo with celebrity fiancee Kate Upton.

Verlander and the Tigers hope their recent success is a sign of things to come after opening the season to disappointing results, which prompted whispers that manager Brad Ausmus' job is on the line. Verlander's 10-strikeout effort Wednesday marked the right-hander's first victory since April 27.