Tigers closer Jose Valverde exited last Tuesday's save opportunity with a lower back strain and has not thrown since his last pitch in the outing. He was deemed day-to-day and the closer expected to play this weekend against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
According to Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press, Valverde will throw on Sunday to test his back and, if all goes well, Valverde could rejoin the bullpen on Tuesday when the Tigers start a series with the Cleveland Indians.
Matthew B. Mowery of the Oakland Press tells a different story, though, suggesting Valverde could throw in Sunday's afternoon game, if his back feels good enough during the throwing session.
There have been no other reports on Valverde's status thus far.
The 34-year-old closer has seven saves in nine opportunities, a 5.51 ERA and 1.78 WHIP in 16-plus innings of work this season.
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