Castellanos takes another step toward return

DETROIT — While the Tigers regained their double-play combination Saturday with Jose Iglesias’ return to the starting lineup from a bruised right thumb, the final injured Tigers regular is creeping closer to a return to game action. Nick Castellanos is expected to play in an instructional league game in Lakeland, Fla., on Monday as he works his way back from a broken left hand that has sidelined him since early August.

“It’s been slow progress,” manager Brad Ausmus said.

Castellanos had been expected to rejoin the Tigers in Detroit this weekend to continue his rehab efforts, but the Tigers opted to keep him in Florida. He faced live pitching Friday and Saturday and felt comfortable driving the ball. Instead of facing Jordan Zimmermann in a simulated game Monday, Castellanos will have something better resembling a traditional Minor League rehab assignment.

Whether that leaves him enough time to return this season might depend on how he responds. J.D. Martinez, who had a similar injury over the summer, played eight games during his rehab assignment before being recalled, but he made an immediate impact upon return. Castellanos doesn’t have to play another regular-season game to be eligible for the Tigers’ postseason roster, …

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