Zimmermann, Stewart have core muscle surgery

DETROIT -- Core muscle specialist Dr. William Meyers operated on a pair of Tigers on Thursday. Outfielder Christin Stewart and right-hander Jordan Zimmermann underwent core muscle surgery, the team announced. Both are expected to be ready for Spring Training next February.

Stewart's surgery wasn't a complete surprise. The slugging rookie's season ended a few games early thanks to what the team called a lower abdominal injury. He was scheduled to visit Dr. Meyers to make sure the injury wasn't more severe, and that he had enough recovery time to be ready for the season.

Zimmermann's surgery, by contrast, was not expected. He indicated he was looking forward to a healthy offseason after his…