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.
