Thumbs Up on Zumaya's Finger

Joel Zumaya's probably doing the right thing in trying to be realistic about recovering from his ruptured tendon injury.  Better to come back in September, rather than push it and possibly re-aggravate that right middle finger.  

However, the August prognosis might have gotten it right.  After meeting with Dr. Charles Melone, the physician who repaired the injury, Zumaya was cleared to begin a throwing program.  In addition, the Tigers were told that the finger has been healing ahead of schedule.  

Depending on how the team wants to handle this, Zumaya could begin throwing light catch as early as today.  And if that goes well, Zumaya will probably begin rehabilitating with the Tigers after the All-Star break.