Detroit's Valverde out with sprained right wrist

DETROIT (AP) -- Detroit Tigers closer Jose Valverde has a sprained right wrist, but the team is hopeful the injury won't keep him out too long.

Detroit trainer Kevin Rand says Valverde will use a wrist immobilizer for the next two or three days. The right-hander felt pain while warming up during Tuesday night's win over St. Louis, and the Tigers brought Phil Coke in to close instead.

Manager Jim Leyland hasn't named a specific closer to fill in for Valverde. Right-hander Joaquin Benoit has a 1.99 ERA in 32 appearances.

Valverde went all of 2011 without blowing a save, but he's struggled this year. He has 13 saves in 16 chances with a 4.18 ERA, and he's walked 17 hitters in 28 innings.

us on Facebook for the latest news and information from Clark County
on Twitter for the latest news and information from Clark County