Detroit Tigers Links: Dirks and Hanrahan progressing, Collins heating up & JV’s injury factor

March 20, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher

(52) prior to the game against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Andy Dirks nearing rehab assignment; Joel Hanrahan could start facing hitters this week – Chris Iott, MLive

“”Dirks is in the final stages of rehabilitation,” Rand said. “He’s taking live BP. He’s running the bases. He’s been doing all his outfield drills. He’s been doing everything to be game ready right now. It’s just a question of him being game ready to start a rehab assignment.”

Hanrahan appeared in just nine games for Boston last season before undergoing Tommy John surgery. The Tigers signed him to a one-year deal in May and he has been working to build arm strength in Lakeland, Fla. Hanrahan faced live hitters shortly after the Tigers signed him, but the Tigers backed off on him a bit and focused on first building up arm strength.”

Great news on Hanrahan. He could push Nathan for closer, or take over 8th and allow Joba Chamberlain to close if the Tigers wanted to shake things up. No matter his role, if he can regain any form, it will be an upgrade for the beleaguered bullpen. 

Detroit Tigers Prospect Tyler Collins Heating Up For Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens – Brad Faber, Rant Sports

“Since going down to the minors, Collins has been experiencing his ups and downs, but he has been swinging a hot bat as of late, hitting .324/.386/.514 with a pair of home runs and seven RBIs in his last 10 games. His recent hot-streak has raised his season line to .251/.314/.411 with nine home runs and 34 RBIs. He has also stolen seven bases, proving that he possesses the rare combination of speed and power.”

Good for Tyler. He was a great story making the team this spring, but struggled in his time in Detroit. Nonetheless, with the emergence of J.D. Martinez and Andy Dirks return on the horizon, another big league stint is probably not in the cards for 2014. 

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Brad Ausmus: ‘No question’ Justin Verlander’s injury could have been source of mechanical issues – Iott

“”Say it’s an injury that isn’t debilitating, but it’s an injury,” Ausmus said. “You don’t even realize that your body is compensating for the weakness in that area. Then that can cause the mechanical change. There’s no question that could be the answer.”

Verlander said Saturday night that he reworked several mechanical issues between starts last week. He threw two bullpen sessions — instead of the normal one — between starts and also did some work on flat ground. The goal is to make the changes to his mechanics a habit and not something he has to constantly think about.”

This could certainly explain Verlander’s inexplicable drop from greatness this season. I’m not sure if I’m ready to buy this excuse just yet, but whatever the cause, at least they fixed it for at least one day. Baby steps…