Detroit Tigers

Trey Sweeney

SS

Sweeney has been on the shelf all season due to a shoulder strain he sustained at the start of spring training, and the rotator cuff issue will extend his absence. It's not clear how much longer the 25-year-old will be sidelined, but he seems unlikely to be rejoining the Tigers anytime soon.

Tarik Skubal

SP

Unofficially, Skubal allowed two hits and struck out six batters while inducing 10 swings and misses on 64 pitches (45 strikes). The workload marked a substantial increase from Skubal's previous sim game last Tuesday, when he tossed 39 pitches over 2.2 innings. According to Evan Woodbery of MLive.com, manager A.J. Hinch indicated last week that the Tigers are planning to have Skubal complete a third sim game this coming weekend. Assuming his elbow checks out fine following that outing, Skubal may need to make just one minor-league rehab start before returning from the 15-day injured list and slotting back into the Detroit rotation around the middle of June.

Brant Hurter

RP

Hurter was lifted from his most recent relief appearance in Friday's 7-4 win over the Orioles due to what manager A.J. Hinch had referred to as a back issue, and follow-up tests evidently confirmed that the lefty reliever was contending with lumbar inflammation. Detroit recalled right-hander Ricky Vanasco from Triple-A Toledo to replace Hurter on the active roster and in the bullpen.

Casey Mize

SP

Mize was forced to depart Wednesday's outing against the Angels after four innings due to right groin tightness. It's a good sign that he was feeling well enough to play catch a day after the injury, but a determination on a possible injured list stint for Mize won't be made until his MRI results are in.

Justin Verlander

SP

Ty Madden has been shifted to a bullpen role, clearing the path for Verlander's return. The 43-year-old threw 64 pitches over five shutout innings in a rehab start with Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday, and it's expected to be the only rehab outing he needs before returning to the Tigers' active roster. Verlander has been shelved by left hip inflammation since early April.