Tigers pitcher Jordan Zimmermann may miss much of the 2020 season because of a strained right forearm after being placed on the 45-day injured list.
Manager Ron Gardenhire said surgery isn't necessary and there's a chance he could return by season's end.
''He's going to rehab,'' Gardenhire said. ''He played catch a couple of times. Feels fine, and then it starts getting a little sore, so now it's just about doing the rehab and going from there.''
This is the final year of Zimmermann's contract with Detroit. He went 1-13 with a 6.91 ERA last year and has struggled to stay healthy while with the Tigers.
He has a 5.61 ERA in four seasons with Detroit.
Zimmermann's latest injury takes away one option for Gardenhire's starting rotation.
Holdovers Matthew Boyd and Spencer Turnbull are back, along with Daniel Norris and Tyler Alexander.
Michael Fulmer returns from Tommy John surgery, and Ivan Nova was acquired in the offseason.
The 34-year-old right-hander went 1-13 with a career-worst 6.91 ERA last year and has struggled to stay healthy while with Detroit.
with files from Associated Press