Tigers' Jordan Zimmermann placed on the 15-day disabled list with neck strain

The Detroit Tigers announced Monday that starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann has been placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 1. The right-hander is suffering from a neck strain on his right side. As a result he’ll be out of the Tigers’ rotation until at least July 16, the second game after the All-Star break.

As reported by MLB.com's Jason Beck,  the Tigers announced that Anibal Sanchez will move to the rotation on Tuesday night to start against the Cleveland Indians. As a corresponding move, right-handed reliever Dustin Molleken has been recalled from Triple-A to pitch out of the Tigers’ bullpen.

Zimmermann’s injury comes as something of a surprise. It’s unknown how long he may have been trying to pitch through the strain. Zimmermann posted a 6.43 ERA in June. Since his win over the White Sox on June 3, he has allowed four or more earned runs in four of his five starts.

Matt Boyd, one of the likely candidates to replace Zimmermann, started on Sunday for the Toledo Mud Hens and is unavailable. The Tigers’ haven’t made any announcement of their plans beyond Tuesday’s game.

Anibal Sanchez’ last turn in the rotation came on June 25, also against the Indians. Sanchez went five innings and allowed four earned runs, including two home runs, to take the loss.