On Tuesday afternoon, the Detroit Tigers announced via the official Twitter account of the team's Director of Media Relations, Brian Britten, that relief pitcher Al Alburquerque will be assigned to Lakeland to begin a rehab assignment.

Al Alburquerque has been assigned to Lakeland today to begin an injury rehab assignment. #tigers

— Brian Britten (@BBritten_Tigers) July 24, 2012

Alburquerque underwent surgery in December to stabilize a non-displaced stress fracture in his right elbow with the insertion of a screw.

He appeared in 41 games with the Tigers during the 2011 season, posting a 6-1 record, 1.87 ERA (43.1IP/9ER) and 67 strikeouts. He led all American League relievers with a .142 batting average against, 4.36 hits per nine innings and 13.92 strikeouts per nine innings.

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