Tigers ace Justin Verlander back on regular routine

Detroit Tigers' Brandon Inge, left, Austin Jackson, second from left, and Doug Fister celebrate after the Tigers beat the New York Yankees 3-2 in Game 5 to win baseball's American League division series Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011, in New York. ASSOCIATED PRESS Enlarge

ARLINGTON, Texas — Justin Verlander is back on his normal routine. No more watching for the Detroit Tigers ace, who starts the AL championship series opener.

The AL division series clincher for Verlander was much "like being a fan." Jim Leyland said his 24-game winner wasn't pitching in Game 5 Thursday night against the New York Yankees. The manager stuck by that, even though he joked with Verlander during the game about doing so.

Now Verlander goes in Game 1 of the ALCS on Saturday night at the defending AL champion Texas Rangers, who counter with C.J. Wilson.

Verlander is pitching on regular rest, on the fifth day after his Game 3 start in the ALDS, that a restart of sorts since rain halted the series opener of aces after only 1½ innings.