Andy Dirks recalled from rehab assignment, remains on DL

Andy Dirks' return from back surgery this spring hit a snag, and the Tigers' outfielder was recalled from his rehab assignment with Single-A Lakeland and remains on the disabled list.

Tony Paul of the Detroit News reports:

The Tigers said Dirks, who is recovering from spring back surgery, is suffering from lower-back muscular inflammation.

Dirks has played in six games with Lakeland since July 8, batting .313 with a double, two walks and four strikeouts. He last played Monday.

"The most important thing is getting his at-bats, giving him as close to 20 games as we possibly can," Tigers trainer Kevin Rand said last week.

"He's been working in the field, but he hasn't been playing, because he hasn't had any games he could play in. We've been doing simulated games, that sort of thing. He's done a lot of outfield work."

Dirks underwent back surgery in March and was expected to be out 3-4 months.

Fortunately for Detroit, J.D. Martinez has provided a bit of help in the outfield. Rajai Davis, who has spent the most time in left field, cooled off after an initial hot start but batted .438 in July with a .988 OPS.