D-Train Pulls into the DL

Despite Dontrelle Willis's insistence that he was okay and could still pitch after slipping on a rain-soaked mound during last night's game, virtually everyone who saw a replay of his right leg stretch out as it slid on the mud knew that just didn't look good.  Willis was taken out of the game after facing two batters and initially diagnosed with a hyper-extended right knee.

A MRI exam today discovered stretches in the knee and hamstring, but no tear in either area.  According to reports, Willis asked the Tigers to wait to see if he recovered enough to make his next start, but the team decided not to take any risks.  Willis goes on the 15-day disabled list (for the first time in his career), and Ryan Raburn was recalled from Triple-A Toledo to take his place on the roster.  He was batting .316/.435/.737 with two home runs and six RBIs in 23 plate appearances for the Mud Hens.

Detroit's next move will come when Willis's turn in the rotation comes up on Wednesday against Cleveland.  The plan is to call up Armando Galarraga from the Mud Hens and give him the start.  In two starts this season for Toledo, he's posted a 2-0 record and 2.25 ERA with 11 strikeouts in 12 innings.  Galarraga was acquired from the Texas Rangers organization in early February.