Tigers’ Jordan Zimmermann undergoing an MRI for lat tightness

Shortly after the Tigers’ 6-3 loss to the White Sox, the team announced that Jordan Zimmermann would be undergoing an MRI for a lat issue that inhibited his ability to pitch on Thursday.

On the day that he made his first start since June 30, it’s possible that the Tigers may be without Zimmermann once again.

Manager Brad Ausmus told reporters after the game that Zimmermann had been dealing with tightness in his right lat (latissimus dorsi) muscle and couldn’t extend properly to deliver his pitches.

The Tigers aren’t sure whether he’ll be healthy five days from now and they’re preparing for the scenario of losing him once again.

Daniel Norris, who starts for the Mud Hens in Toledo tonight, would be the likely call-up if Zimmermann is unable to make his next start or lands on the disabled list.

Norris would have the same five days until Zimmermann’s slotted spot, so no juggling would be in order for the rotation.

That said, don’t count on Anibal Sanchez leaving the rotation anytime in the near future. With Mike Pelfrey already sidelined, the rotation was already strained and it may be getting thinner.

The lat tightness is not, however, connected with what landed Zimmermann on the DL the first time. His last trip to the DL was for a neck strain that’s since subsided and given him no issues. At the very least, the injury explains his poor performance.

Zimmermann had no control or command of his pitches, and the velocity was noticeably down. While he attempted to get through two innings, the injury prevented him from being able to control any part of the situation, and the White Sox capitalized on the opportunity.