After leaving Tuesday's game against the Chicago White Sox with lower back tightness, Detroit Tigers closer Jose Valverde was listed as day-to-day with a lower back strain on Wednesday. Of course, this led many to think the worst and question what the Tigers would do if their closer was to miss any kind of extended time.
However, those worries were somewhat eased later on Wednesday, as Valverde commented that he expects to return to action this weekend when the Tigers host the Pittsburgh Pirates in a three-game set.
Valverde says he expects to be ready for series against Pirates this weekend. #Tigers
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) May 16, 2012
Until he is ready to return, Detroit set-up man Joaquin Benoit will step in and take over the closer role unless particular matchups dictate otherwise. Benoit has 11 career saves in 32 possible save opportunities.
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