Detroit Tigers right-hander Jordan Zimmermann received positive results from his MRI exam on Friday and may avoid going back on the disabled list.
The MRI test on Zimmermann’s right lat muscle came back clean, according to the Detroit Free Press. He is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Sunday.
Zimmermann (9-5) was rocked on Thursday against by the Chicago White Sox in his first start since coming off the 15-day disabled list. He allowed six runs on six hits in 1 2/3 innings, his shortest outing this season, in the 6-3 loss. Zimmermann had been on the DL with a right neck strain since July 4 and hadn’t pitched in the majors since June 30.
“His lat was a little bit tight, not really related to what the issue was when he was on the DL,” manager Brad Ausmus said after Thursday’s game. “He just couldn’t seem to get loose. There was no pain, he was just having trouble getting extended and locating the ball. So we went with him as long as we could. But ultimately, we chose to take him out.”
Zimmermann has a 9-5 record with a 4.44 ERA over 97 1/3 innings in 16 starts this season. The Tigers’ No. 2 starter has a 6.44 ERA since May 1 after posting a major-league-best 0.55 ERA in April.
The 30-year-old Zimmermann signed a five-year, $110-million contract in the offseason.