Anibal Sanchez leaves game with middle finger blister injury

Anibal Sanchez left today's game against the Minnesota Twins in the bottom of the third inning with a blister on his right middle finger. Fox Sports Detroit cameras caught Sanchez pacing around the mound after a pitch missed high to Twins second baseman Brian Dozier. One pitch later, Brad Ausmus and head athletic trainer Kevin Rand came to the mound, and Sanchez was immediately pulled.

Sanchez spent time on the disabled list in 2013 due to a shoulder injury, but has never experienced any hand or finger issues during his brief tenure in Detroit. The last time a Tigers pitcher suffered a blister injury was in 2012, when Drew Smyly spent 15 days on the disabled list. At the time, the move appeared to be precautionary in nature. Coincidentally, Smyly is scheduled to be skipped during his next turn through the rotation this coming week. If Sanchez is unable to make his next start, the Tigers will be able to use Smyly in his place.

Sanchez had not allowed a hit through 2 2/3 innings, and walked just one batter in the second inning. He left the game with a full count to Twins second baseman Brian Dozier. Jose Ortega threw a ball in his first pitch to Dozier, but the base on balls was officially charged to Sanchez.