Tigers' Sanchez Could Be Out Longer Than Expected

By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak

DETROIT (CBS DETROIT) -  If there was a silver lining to Detroit Tigers pitcher Jose Alvarez's three-inning performance Monday, it was that regular starter Anibal Sanchez would be returning to that spot in the rotation Saturday.

Now it looks like Sanchez may be absent longer than expected.

According to CBSSports.com, Sanchez was drilled in the leg by a line drive in his Single-A rehab start Monday. He had to leave the game after just 23 pitches over one and two-thirds innings, having allowed two hits.

The Tigers announced on June 17 that after a sizzling start to the season - culminating in a 2.76 ERA through 13 starts - Sanchez would be going on the disabled list for shoulder stiffness. Detroit manager Jim Leyland said at the time that Sanchez would probably miss two starts, meaning he would be ready to go this Saturday.

Instead, it looks like Alvarez will get another start, this time against the Cleveland Indians. Monday Alvarez gave up four earned runs on six hits and three walks. He was pulled after the third inning, leaving the struggling Tigers bullpen to cover the next six innings, which contributed to an 8-3 loss for Detroit.