SPORTS

Injuries pile up for ‘limping’ Tigers

Chris McCosky
The Detroit News

Detroit — Imagine it being September, after the rosters have been expanded, and being short on healthy players.

If it’s 2017, then it’s a reality for the Tigers.

Injuries left the Tigers with just two extra available position players Sunday for the home finale against the Twins – and both were catchers, John Hicks and Bryan Holaday.

“Limping to the finish line,” Ausmus shrugged. “And we can’t call anybody up because the (other minor league players) haven’t played in about two and a half weeks.”

The Tigers on Sunday were without:

■ Miguel Cabrera, who left the game in the first inning Saturday when his back stiffened.

■ Third baseman Jeimer Candelario, who left the game in the ninth Saturday with a right knee contusion. Ausmus said he would be “shocked” if Candelario wasn’t back in the lineup Tuesday in Kansas City.

■ Outfielder Mikie Mahtook (groin) is out for the season.

■ Outfielder Tyler Collins (intercostal strain) has been inactive the last three days but should be ready to play in Kansas City.

In addition to those position players, the Tigers lost reliever Alex Wilson on Saturday night for the season after a line drive by Joe Mauer broke his right fibula. Both he and starter Michael Fulmer (elbow) will not accompany the team on the final road trip.

Relief pitcher Jeff Ferrell (concussion) has begun to do some light tossing, but he still hasn’t cleared the concussion protocol. He will travel with the team to Kansas City.

Nick Castellanos, who has been playing right field the last two weeks, was back at third base. He made two excellent plays and booted one.

chris.mccosky@detroitnews.com

twitter.com/cmccosky