Maybe this is a precautionary measure, maybe not.
But the Detroit Tigers added left-handed reliever Clay Rapada to their active roster today, less than 24 hours after Bobby Seay came out of last night's game experiencing some discomfort in his left shoulder. According to Jason Beck, no announcement has been made yet on Seay. But the media hasn't been in the clubhouse to talk to anyone yet, either.
Rapada pitched in 42 games for Triple-A Toledo this season, compiling a 4-2 record, 2.76 ERA, and five saves. He posted 47 strikeouts (versus 17 walks) in 45.2 innings. He appeared in two games for the Tigers earlier this season, when Seay's workload was getting heavy. Rapada allowed two runs and four hits in 2.1 innings.
One problem with Rapada might be that he hasn't pitched since September 4, when the Mud Hens' season ended. Unless he's stayed in shape over the past three weeks, it could be a while before he's ready to pitch in a game again.
Seay left last night's game after pitching to two batters, both of whom got base hits. The Tigers announced afterwards that he complained of pain in the front of his shoulder, and would be examined by a specialist.
He hasn't been very sharp since early September, compiling a 6.43 ERA in his last 10 games, with 11 hits allowed in seven innings. (His August wasn't that great either, with eight hits and six walks allowed in nine innings, and a 4.00 ERA.)
UPDATE: (6:30 p.m.): Via Jason Beck, Seay is out for at least the weekend, while he rests a strained left pectoral muscle. A MRI exam back in Detroit revealed no structural damage, and he's back with the team in Chicago now. Seay will be re-examined on Monday.