Prince Fielder could miss Detroit Tigers series

May 11, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Prince Fielder (84) follows through for a single against the Boston Red Sox during the fourth inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

If you bought advanced tickets to this weekend’s games against the Texas Rangers at the expense of games against other, more traditional rivals, you might be worried about the news coming out of Arlington, Texas this afternoon. Former Detroit Tiger Prince Fielder will not make the initial trip to Detroit for this weekend’s four-game series with his teammates.

We knew that Prince was hampered by a herniated disk in his neck, which snapped his consecutive game streak at 547. It looked as if Prince would be good to go, the Dallas Morning News reported he’d be back on Tuesday, likely making him fine for the Tigers’ series, but that may have been premature.

Not meeting this benchmark may have frustrated Prince because, likely after numerous questions about the series at Comerica Park, he said: “I don’t give a f*** about the Detroit series. I just want to get back.”

Out of context, that quote would appear a slight against the Tigers and their fans, but it sounds more like a guy who never misses games frustrated that he is missing games.

“I don’t give a f*** about the Detroit series. I just want to get back.”

Fielder will remain in Texas to consult with a spine specialist. Traded for Ian Kinsler in the off-season, Prince is off to a disastrous start, hitting .247 with three homers and 16 RBIs. He is sporting an un-Fielder-like .720 OPS.

It’s unclear what will happen after that. He may be able to join the team later on during the four-game trip or he may be headed to the disabled list.

This is the Tigers and Rangers only series in Detroit this season, so unless they meet in the playoffs or Prince can go this weekend, we’ll have to wait to see if he will be cheered or booed upon his return to Detroit.