Tigers Injury Updates

As the Tigers close up shop in Lakeland for another year, just hours away from a plane trip to Milwaukee where they’ll play two exhibition games this weekend, there are some Tigers on the mend.

The Free Press’ John Lowe has the scoop on a few of them. According to Lowe, Ryan Raburn came down with the flu and will not travel with the team to Milwaukee, he’ll catch a separate flight later in the day so an not to spread his illness throughout the team. Nevermind the commercial passengers on his flight, I guess.

Gerald Laird has missed the passed three games after tweaking a muscle in his groin during batting practice a few days ago. Laird is expected to catch tomorrow when Max Scherzer gets his final tune-up start.

Perennially injured DH Carlos Guillen left yesterday’s game with a spasm in his hamstring. The Tigers are being cautious this close to Opening Day, but manager Jim Leyland said Guillen could have played today, so the injury is not thought to be serious at all. Of course, this is Guillen we’re talking about, so maybe Clete Thomas shouldn’t get too comfy in Toledo.

As far as the two ailing pitchers, Jason Beck says they’ll stay behind in Lakeland when the plane leaves later today. Bobby Seay will soon begin a rehab program in hopes of avoiding rotator cuff surgery. Minimum rehab time is likely six weeks.

Zach Miner will also be in town a bit longer than he had hoped. The right hander has not yet been cleared to resume throwing due to a tender right elbow. The Tigers won’t allow his to throw until he is 100% pain free, something that hasn’t happened yet. It looks as if Miner could be out until early May at this rate, as once he begins to throw, the Tigers will likely place him on a rehab assignment to build his arm strength.