Jose Valverde (RP)

MLB.com reports Tigers closer Jose Valverde will be unavailable for Sunday's series finale against the Pirates because of a lower back strain. The plan is to get Valverde ready for Tuesday at Cleveland.

Detroit relief pitcher Jose Valverde played catch and participated in running drills Saturday for the first time since suffering a back injury, MLB.com reports. Valverde has not pitched since he sustained a lower back strain last Tuesday, but is expected to throw off a mound Sunday. "If he felt great, he may be available," manager Jim Leyland said, "but I kind of doubt that. I kind of think maybe Tuesday....

Detroit manager Jim Leyland says closer Jose Valverde is day to day with a strained lower back.

Detroit Tigers RP Jose Valverde (back) is hoping to return this weekend for the series ...

MLB.com reports Tigers closer Jose Valverde is listed as day to day with a lower back strain. Joaquin Benoit is considered the likely closer unless matchups dictate otherwise. Valverde says he expects to be ready to pitch this weekend in the series against the Pirates.

Jose Valverde is considered day-to-day with a lower back strain.

Detroit Tigers RP Jose Valverde (back) is being listed as day-to-day with a strained lower ...

Updating an earlier item, Jose Valverde left Tuesday's appearance with lower back tightness.

Tigers closer Jose Valverde left Tuesday's game against the White Sox in the ninth inning with what manager Jim Leyland called lower back tightness, according FOXSports.com. He could be seen wincing after throwing a 2-1 pitch to Alex Rios and was removed after being checked out by a trainer. Octavio Dotel replaced Valverde on the mound. Valverde gave up two hits with one strikeout and a walk over two-thirds...

Jose Valverde was lifted from Tuesday's game against the White Sox with an apparent injury.

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