Tigers

Jose Valverde (Tigers)

5/16/12 3:00 pm

Jose Valverde is considered day-to-day with a lower back strain.

Valverde left Tuesday’s game against the White Sox with the injury. It’s not a major concern, but he’s likely to miss a day or two. Joaquin Benoit will likely serve as the closer in the interim.

Source: twitter.com

Jhonny Peralta (Tigers)

5/16/12 2:05 pm

Jhonny Peralta is not in Wednesday’s lineup against the Twins.

Just a day off for Peralta, who is hitting just .252/.333/.351 with one homer over his first 32 games this year. Ramon Santiago will start in his place and bat ninth against right-hander Nick Blackburn.

Source: twitter.com

Brandon Hamilton (Tigers)

5/16/12 10:49 am

Tigers released RHP Brandon Hamilton.

Hamilton, a supplemental first-round pick in 2007, hasn’t pitched since 2009 with Class A West Michigan due to personal issues. Now 23 years old, it’s not clear if he plans to continue his career elsewhere.

Source: twitter.com

Jose Valverde (Tigers)

5/15/12 6:04 pm

Updating an earlier item, Jose Valverde left Tuesday’s appearance with lower back tightness.

It’s not considered a big deal, but we wouldn’t be surprised if the Tigers choose to hold him out a day or two. Joaquin Benoit could be a short-term option for saves.

Source: twitter.com

Ryan Raburn (Tigers)

5/15/12 5:04 pm

Ryan Raburn contributed a three-run homer and an RBI single to the cause as the Tigers beat the White Sox 10-8 on Tuesday.

Finally! Raburn, who had six homers in his first 26 at-bats this spring, went his first 96 at-bats without one during the regular season. Back-to-back multihit games have raised his average all of the way to .162. He’s lucky Brandon Inge didn’t get hot until after getting his release from the Tigers.

Austin Jackson (Tigers)

5/15/12 4:59 pm

Austin Jackson had a three-run homer, a triple and a walk Tuesday against the White Sox.

Jackson won’t be a candidate for Comeback Player of the Year in the AL, but he might be the circuit’s most improved player. Not only is he hitting .323 with good power, but his 29/20 K/BB ratio in 133 at-bats is a big step forward from his previous marks.

Jose Valverde (Tigers)

5/15/12 4:47 pm

Jose Valverde was lifted from Tuesday’s game against the White Sox with an apparent injury.

Valverde allowed two hits but had the White Sox down to their last strike before walking off the field with a trainer by his side. It’s not clear what happened.

Drew Smyly (Tigers)

5/14/12 10:38 pm

Drew Smyly gave up a career-high four runs over five innings in a no-decision Monday against the White Sox.

Well, he was bound to have a dud eventually. Smyly gave up five hits (including a pair of homers) while fanning four and walking one. The rookie left-hander still has an impressive 2.31 ERA and 38/11 K/BB ratio in 39 innings over his first seven major league starts. We like his chances of bouncing back this weekend against the light-hitting Pirates.

Daniel Schlereth (Tigers)

5/14/12 6:20 pm

Daniel Schlereth will be examined by Dr. Tom Noonan in Colorado after pain in his left shoulder forced him to cut short a bullpen session last Friday.

Schlereth was placed on the DL a week ago due to shoulder tendinitis, but the Tigers want to see if anything else is going on. “It was supposed to have been a 30-pitch bullpen session,” Tigers head trainer Kevin Rand said. “It was cut at 15. Dr. Noonan’s going to give a follow-up exam and offer a second opinion.” We’ll update Schlereth’s status when more is known.

Source: detroitnews.com

Luis Marte (Tigers)

5/14/12 8:23 am

Luis Marte (hamstring) struck out the side Sunday in a one-inning extended spring training game appearance.

Marte needed just 15 pitches in the brief but impressive outing. The 25-year-old righty is likely to be optioned to Triple-A Toledo once he is deemed healthy enough to pitch in games that count. He’s been on the disabled list since Opening Day with a severe hamstring strain.

Source: go.com