KANSAS CITY -- The Detroit Tigers are now dealing with another potential injury to their pitching staff, as it was revealed Wednesday that reliever Al Alburquerque is experiencing discomfort in his upper right leg, near his hip.
Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said that Alburquerque, who has not pitched since Aug. 24, underwent an MRI on Wednesday on his hip and the team is awaiting those results.
“He said his hip has been bothering him, since, I think, before Toronto,” Ausmus said when asked why Alburquerque has been sidelined.
It was not immediately clear whether Alburquerque might be available Wednesday for the second game of the Tigers’ three-game series, should those tests come back clear. During his last outing in Cincinnati, Alburquerque gave up two hits, three runs and one walk in three batters faced in the team’s 12-5 loss.
Should Alburquerque miss any additional time or head to the disabled list, he would join fellow pitchers Anibal Sanchez (rotator cuff) and Daniel Norris (oblique) among those currently sidelined with injuries.
Both Sanchez and Norris resumed throwing Tuesday, with the latter optimistic after the session. Though Sanchez’ progress seemed less encouraging, he apparently felt better Wednesday after a second straight day of throwing.
“He said he felt better today,” Ausmus said.
