Detroit – It was a little like old home week inside the Tigers’ clubhouse before the game Monday.
Tarik Skubal and Gleyber Torres were both back from Lakeland, as their rehab programs have been shifted to Detroit. And right-hander Troy Melton, who hasn’t been seen since spring training, also popped in briefly.
“I hope it brings a little of our personality back,” manager AJ Hinch said. “Obviously, Tarik is a huge presence. Gleyber is a huge presence. We miss Javy (Báez), I’d love to see him this week if his rehab schedule allows.
“Having Carp (Kerry Carpenter) back matters. Just that feel of having familiar faces around, guys we expected to be integral parts of our success.”
Skubal, recovering from an arthroscopic procedure on his left elbow, threw a bullpen session before the game and started his five-day, starting pitcher routine.
Torres, out with an oblique strain, was expected to go through a full workout before the game. Barring any setbacks, he could start playing rehab games with Triple-A Toledo as soon as tomorrow.
“The optimist in me, and there still is one in me (smiles), is saying it will be a short period of time (before he’s back),” Hinch said. “His conditioning hasn’t changed. He hasn’t stopped doing a lot of things outside of rotational exercises.”
One of the issues is weather. Toledo is starting a homestand and the weather forecast for northern Ohio is the same as it is for Detroit – rainstorms.
“It might only be one or two games, it could be three, I don’t know,” Hinch said. “I want the player back more than I want the name back. The name in the lineup will look and feel better. But we have to make sure his ability to impact the game comes with it.”
Carpenter (out with a sprain of the left AC joint in his shoulder) has stayed in Detroit, but he’s been cleared to do full baseball activities. He could also be heading out on a rehab assignment soon.
As for Melton, he was only passing through. After making his last rehab start with Toledo, weather is forcing him back to Lakeland for his next one Tuesday.
“We needed to insure he’s getting his work in properly and on the right day,” Hinch said. “There is no change other than the location. We are hoping he can get up to 65 to 75 pitches.”
Melton is not eligible to come off the injured list until May 24.
Chris.McCosky@detroitnews.com
@cmccosky
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Tigers’ Torres, Carpenter nearing rehab assignments: Injury updates
Reporting by Chris McCosky, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
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