Detroit Tigers right-hander Alex Cobb faces a crucial test Wednesday, as he is scheduled to continue his rehab assignment with a start at Triple-A Toledo.
The 37-year-old, who is nursing a hip injury and has yet to appear in a game for the Tigers since they signed him to a one-year, $15 million contract in free agency, pitched well in his first two rehab starts at High-A West Michigan. Since beginning his rehab assignment, he has struck out five and walked two over a pair of scoreless outings. Cobb has been pitching through persistent hip pain and limited mobility, however, limiting him to just 4 1/3 innings over those two starts.
Tigers manager AJ Hinch told reporters, including Chris McCosky of The Detroit News, that it's not unreasonable to expect Cobb to be stretched out to five or six innings. He added, however, that the Tigers would likely use the entire 30 days allotted for Cobb's rehab stint to make a determination on what he can and can't do moving forward.
Tigers Injury Update: Jackson Jobe still not cleared to resume throwing
The Tigers' latest medical report included a frustrating non-update on rookie right-hander Jackson Jobe, who is still doing physical therapy and has yet to be cleared to resume throwing.
Jobe landed on the IL on May 29 after reporting discomfort in his elbow following his start against the San Francisco Giants the previous day. He was diagnosed with a Grade 1 (mild) flexor strain and is expected to continue resting before being re-evaluated. At this rate, Tigers fans should not expect to see Jobe again until after the All-Star break.
Tigers' Reese Olson scheduled to throw bullpen session Wednesday
Tigers right-hander Reese Olson, who has been on the IL since May 18 with right ring finger inflammation, received an injection in his finger and is set to throw a bullpen session Wednesday in which he will incorporate his signature changeup for the first time since getting injured.
General manager Jeff Greenberg said on MLB Network Radio that the Tigers are "cautiously optimistic" that they will get Olson back "sooner rather than later," depending on how Wednesday's bullpen goes. If all goes well, Olson will advance to facing live hitters before eventually beginning a rehab assignment. He is expected to return to the Tigers' rotation before the end of the month.
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