Hamstring issues slow Justin Wilson, K-Rod

Lakeland, Fla. — The Tigers had to scratch two pitchers — two vital bullpen cogs — before the game on Wednesday, both with hamstring strains.

Justin Wilson and closer Francisco Rodriguez were held out of the 9-1 loss to the Nationals.

“K-Rod is dealing with something in his high hamstring,” manager Brad Ausmus said. “He was going to go out there but I decided not to pitch him. He probably would have pitched but I didn’t want to rush him.”

Rodriguez, who has yet to make his spring debut, is scheduled to pitch on Saturday, the day before he leaves for the WBC. Obviously, the Tigers need to be sure he is healthy before he goes.

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“We need him for six or seven months,” Ausmus said. “It’s important to us that we don’t cause this to be a long-term injury.”

Team Venezuela general manager Carlos Guillen and manager Omar Vizquel are also holding their breath.

"We will watch him pitch Saturday," Ausmus said. "I know Venezuela has a couple of exhibition games scheduled. So his (throwing plan) should be similar to what it was last year."

Unlike Rodriguez, Wilson’s name was redacted from Wednesday’s work list early in the morning. Initially, Ausmus said the hamstring injury didn’t appear serious and Wilson was going to throw a bullpen on the back fields.

Wilson, though, cut his session short.

“He said he still felt it a little bit,” Ausmus said. “He will probably be no-throw for a couple of days.”

chris.mccosky@detroitnews.com

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