Pelfrey on DL, J.D. returning, Zimmermann next

DETROIT — The Tigers stood pat at Monday’s non-waiver Trade Deadline in part because they figured the return of injured players would provide a boost. In the cases of Jordan Zimmermann and J.D. Martinez, those returns are imminent. But when Mike Pelfrey’s back locked up, the Tigers had another injury to deal with.

Pelfrey, who left Sunday’s game after five innings with what was later diagnosed as a mild back strain, was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday night after he aggravated his back earlier in the day. He was scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday to see if he could make his next turn, but didn’t get that far before suffering a setback.

“He kind of locked up again, a second time, this afternoon,” manager Brad Ausmus said after Tuesday’s 11-5 win over the White Sox. “So, as a result, we’re just going to give him the 15 days.”

Zimmermann, on the DL for the past month with a right neck strain, will be activated in time to start Thursday’s series finale. He’ll essentially take Pelfrey’s rotation spot, with Anibal Sanchez and Matt Boyd remaining in the rotation as well.

Taking Pelfrey’s roster …

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